Tue Jan 14 05:51:46 UTC 2025: ## Texas Man Charged with Felony Stalking of WNBA Star Caitlin Clark

**Indianapolis, IN** – A Texas man has been charged with felony stalking after allegedly harassing WNBA star Caitlin Clark through repeated online messages and in-person actions. Michael Thomas Lewis, 22, faces up to six years in prison and a $10,000 fine if convicted.

According to court documents filed Saturday by the Marion County prosecutor’s office, Lewis bombarded Clark’s X account with messages beginning December 16th. The messages ranged from boasting about driving by Gainbridge Fieldhouse, one of Clark’s team’s home arenas, multiple times a day, to sexually explicit content and statements implying a stalking charge. One message reportedly read, “I have one foot on a banana peel and the other on a stalking charge.”

Clark, in statements to police, expressed fear for her safety and revealed she had altered her public appearance due to the harassment. The affidavit states the messages caused Clark to feel “terrorized, frightened, intimidated, or threatened,” and constituted an implicit threat of sexual battery.

The FBI traced the X account to Lewis and identified IP addresses associated with an Indianapolis hotel and a public library. During a January 8th interview, Lewis admitted to posting the messages but claimed they were “a joke” and part of a fantasy. He told police he was in Indianapolis on vacation.

Prosecutors argue Lewis traveled from Texas to Indianapolis intending to be near Clark and have requested a stay-away order prohibiting him from approaching Gainbridge and Hinkle fieldhouses. They also requested a higher-than-standard bond. Lewis is due in court on Tuesday.

Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears highlighted the courage it takes for victims to come forward in such cases and praised Clark for setting an example for other women. Clark, the number one overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, had an outstanding rookie season, earning All-Star and All-WNBA honors.

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