Texas man arrested for allegedly stalking and sending sexually abusive messages to Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark a hearing was held on Wednesday as he pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Michael Lewis walked into Marion County Superior Court, leaned back in his chair and told Judge Angela Davis that he was “guilty as charged,” according to for ESPN.
Davis suggested Lewis exercise his right to remain silent and enter a not guilty plea on his behalf because she would not accept anything else at the initial hearing, according to the report.
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Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark plays against the Dallas Wings in Indianapolis on September 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy, File)
Lewis was ordered held on $50,000 bail and kept away from Gainbridge Fieldhouse and Hinkle Fieldhouse – where the Fever and Butler Bulldogs play. Clark’s boyfriend, Connor McCaffrey, is an assistant on Butler’s men’s basketball team.
Lewis, 55, is charged with stalking with threats of sexual abuse or death, FOX 59 he reported, citing court documents. The charge is considered a level 5 felony. He could face up to six years in prison if convicted.
Lewis allegedly sent Clark sexually abusive messages through your X account. One message said he drove around her house multiple times and encouraged her “not to call the law yet.” He also reportedly talked about going to a Fever game and sitting behind the bench.
Authorities spoke with Lewis about the messages on Jan. 8, according to the station. He allegedly told authorities he was going to Indianapolis on vacation and downplayed the number of texts he sent to the WNBA shooting guard.
JEMELE HILL QUIETLY DELETED CAITLIN CLARK’S POST AFTER STALKER ARREST
Indiana Fever’s Caitlin Clark during his introductory news 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 “fantasy-type stuff” and “a prank.”
Clark reportedly alerted authorities to the messages and said she was frightened by the words sent to her.
“It takes a lot of courage for women to come forward in cases like this, which is why many don’t,” Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears said via FOX 59. “In doing so, the victim sets an example for all women who deserve to live and work in Indy without being sexually harassed violence.”
Lewis’ arrest comes nearly a month after the Oregon man’s arrest pleaded guilty to the stalking of UConn Huskies women’s basketball star Paige Bueckers.
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) signs small basketballs for fans watching a WNBA basketball game against the Dallas Wings in Indianapolis, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
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Robert Cole Parmalee, 40, was arrested in August and found with an engagement ring and underwear while walking near Bradley International Airport in Connecticut. He said he intended to marry the Bueckers.
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