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A man from Denton was charged with stalking WNBA star Caitlin Clark.
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Michael Lewis, 55, was arrested after sending sexually suggestive and threatening messages to Clark on social media.
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Lewis could face one to six years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
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A man from Denton was charged with stalking WNBA star Caitlin Clark.
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Michael Lewis, 55, was arrested after sending sexually suggestive and threatening messages to Clark on social media.
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Lewis could face one to six years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
After reportedly sending many threats and sexual messages to WNBA player Caitlin Clark, a Texas man was charged with stalking her.
Denton, Texas man arrested for stalking Caitlin Clark
Lewis, Michael
We know:
On Sunday, Denton resident Michael Lewis, 55, was taken into custody in Indianapolis.
Between December 16 and January 11, Lewis texted Clark multiple threatening and sexual messages on X, according to an arrest warrant document.
“@CaitlinClark22 been driving around your house 3x a day..but don t call the law just yet, the publc [sic] is allowed to drive by gainbridge[sic] aka Caitlin’s Fieldhouse,” read a post that was more reserved.
Lewis’s recent messages were traced to IP addresses in Indianapolis, according to investigators.
Clark is a member of the Indiana Fever in Indianapolis.
According to Marion County prosecutors, on January 8, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police contacted Lewis about the texts while he was staying at a nearby hotel.
Lewis claimed to be on vacation in Indianapolis and informed officers he was from Texas.
Lewis responded that he had a “imaginary relationship” with the WNBA player when questioned why he had posted so frequently about Clark.
According to an arrest warrant affidavit, Clark told police on Saturday that she had changed her public appearances and movement patterns because she was afraid for her safety after finding out Lewis was in Indianapolis.
Clark added that she has never replied to any of Lewis’ communications and that she doesn’t know him.
He kept messaging Clark even after the police confronted him.
“@CaitlinClark22 they alleged I was sending threatening texts..but the only think [sic] on my mind was .The message “CAITLIIIIIIIIIINNNNN” was read again.
Lewis was charged with criminal stalking after his arrest on Sunday.
It is a Level 5 felony charge.
Lewis faces a maximum fine of $10,000 and a term of one to six years in jail if found guilty.
What they’re saying:
“This case demonstrates that online harassment can swiftly turn into real threats of physical violence, regardless of how well-known you are,” Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears said in a statement. “Most women choose not to speak up in these situations because it takes a lot of bravery. The victim is leading by example by doing this, demonstrating that all women in Indianapolis should be able to live and work without fear of sexual assault.
Caitlin Clark
On September 25, 2024, in Uncasville, Connecticut, Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever looks during the fourth quarter of Game Two of the 2024 WNBA Playoffs first round at Mohegan Sun Arena.
The 22-year-old Clark won the 2024 AP Female Athlete of the Year award.
The increase in interest in women’s professional and collegiate basketball was partly attributed to Clark’s fame.
The former Iowa standout broke both the women’s and men’s NCAA Division I lifetime scoring records.
The Indiana Fever then selected her with the first overall pick.
She also became the WNBA’s fastest player to ever hit 100 three-pointers in 2024.
Clark is the fourth player in women’s basketball to win the title of female athlete of the year.
The Origin:The Associated Press, an arrest warrant affidavit for Michael Lewis, and the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office provided the information for this story.
