A Texas man who was arrested for allegedly harassing and sending sexually violent messages to Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark had a disturbing hearing Wednesday when he pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Michael Lewis entered Marion County Superior Court, leaned back in his chair and told Judge Angela Davis that he was “guilty as charged,” according to ESPN.
Davis suggested Lewis exercise her right to remain silent and entered a not guilty plea on her behalf, as she was not going to accept anything else at an initial hearing, the report said.
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Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark plays against the Dallas Wings in Indianapolis on Sept. 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy, File)
Lewis was held on $50,000 bail and ordered to stay away from Gainbridge Fieldhouse and Hinkle Fieldhouse, where the Fever and Butler Bulldogs play, respectively. Clark’s boyfriend, Connor McCaffrey, is an assistant on Butler’s men’s basketball team.
Lewis, 55, was charged with stalking and threatening sexual assault or death, FOX 59 reported, citing court documents. The charge is considered a Level 5 felony. You could face up to six years in prison if convicted.
Lewis allegedly sent Clark sexually violent messages through her X account. One message said he had been driving by her house several times and encouraged her to “not call the law yet.” He also allegedly talked about going to a Fever match and sitting behind the bench.
Authorities spoke to Lewis about the messages on Jan. 8, according to the station. She reportedly told authorities she was going to Indianapolis on vacation and downplayed the number of messages she sent to the WNBA sharpshooter.
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Indiana Fever’s Caitlin Clark during her introductory press conference on April 17, 2024 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. (Ron Hoskins/NBAE via Getty Images)
Lewis told authorities the messages were not threatening and called it “some fantasy” and a “joke.”
Clark reportedly alerted authorities about the messages and said he had been afraid of the words sent to him.
“It takes a lot of courage for women to report these cases, which is why many don’t,” Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears said via FOX 59. “By doing so, the victim is setting an example. to all women.” who deserve to live and work in Indy without the threat of sexual violence.
Lewis’ arrest came nearly a month after an Oregon man pleaded guilty to harassing UConn Huskies women’s basketball star Paige Bueckers.
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) signs mini basketballs for fans following a WNBA basketball game against the Dallas Wings in Indianapolis, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Robert Cole Parmalee, 40, was arrested in August and found with an engagement ring and lingerie while walking near Bradley International Airport in Connecticut. He said he intended to marry Bueckers.
