A 55-year-old Texas man was arrested on a felony stalking charge in Indianapolis on Sunday after he allegedly repeatedly sent threats and sexually violent messages to Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark via social media, according to court documents.
Michael Thomas Lewis, of Denton, Texas, is charged with one count of stalking threatening sexual battery or death, a Level 5 felony. He was arrested on Sunday.
According to court documents, the FBI traced Lewis’s most recent messages to discover he was in Indianapolis. Police said his presence in Indianapolis “was especially concerning” due to the nature of his messages and Lewis being a Texas resident.
Lewis’s messages were sexually violent in nature. He also spoke about coming to Indianapolis, and even away games, to see the WNBA star. Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears said Lewis even bought tickets to a Butler basketball game, which Clark is known to attend.
Clark told police she feared for her safety — even before Lewis arrived in Indianapolis — and had even altered her appearance in public. She also told police that she never responded to any of Lewis’ messages or posts.
Lewis could face up to six years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
