A Texas man accused of sending threats and s*xually explicit messages to WNBA star Caitlin Clark appeared in court Tuesday, making multiple outbursts during a hearing in Indianapolis. Michael Thomas Lewis, 55, of Denton, Texas, faces a felony stalking charge and is being held on a $50,000 bond.
During the preliminary hearing, Lewis shouted statements including “guilty as charged,” “I’m free,” and “I guess you got the wrong guy.” When asked if he suffers from mental illness, Lewis replied, “I need my medicines.” Judge Angela Davis assigned him a public defender who entered a not guilty plea on his behalf. Lewis, however, told the court he did not intend to post bond, according to NBC and ESPN.
“I don’t want bond, bail, whatever,” he said. “I’m here. I’m staying.”
Lewis is accused of sending threatening messages to Clark through X (formerly Twitter), which police traced to a hotel in Indianapolis. Court documents revealed via Fox59, the concerning nature of his messages, including one that read, “Been driving around your house 3x a day. But don’t call the law just yet.”
Police previously contacted Lewis about the messages. Although he initially denied sending them, he later described his actions as part of “an imaginary relationship” and dismissed the messages as a “joke.” Despite warnings to stop, Lewis continued to send messages, reported WTHR.
Detectives noted that Lewis’ presence in Indianapolis heightened concerns, as he resides in Texas. Police interviewed Clark, who expressed fear for her safety. She has since altered her appearance, public schedule, and travel patterns due to the threats.
Judge Davis issued orders prohibiting Lewis from approaching Gainbridge Fieldhouse, where the Fever play, and Butler University’s Hinkle Fieldhouse, where Clark’s boyfriend, Connor McCaffery, is an assistant coach.
If convicted, Lewis faces one to six years in prison for the Level 5 felony charge and a fine of up to $10,000.
Prosecutor Ryan Mears emphasized the seriousness of the case, stating, “No matter how prominent a figure you are, this case shows that online harassment can quickly escalate to actual threats of physical violence. It takes a lot of courage for women to come forward in these cases, which is why many don’t. In doing so, the victim is setting an example for all women who deserve to live and work in Indy without the threat of s*xual violence.”
This case mirrors a similar incident involving UConn star Paige Bueckers, who was stalked last year. As incidents of stalking in women’s sports gain attention, it underscores the need for continued vigilance and support for victims.