The man accused of stalking and harassing Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 2.5 years in prison, the New York Post reports.
Michael Lewis, 55, who previously shouted “guilty as charged” while still pleading not guilty in January, officially changed his plea in an Indianapolis court room on Monday (July 28). Lewis was arrested after sending Clark threats and sexually explicit messages on X in January.
Lewis was previously ordered to be held on $50,000 bail and stay away from Gainbridge Fieldhouse, the Fever’s home arena, and Hinkle Fieldhouse, where the team had previously played, as well as being prohibited to contact Clark in any form. The 55-year-old was charged with a Level 5 felony stalking charge after being arrested at a hotel in Indianapolis, according to court documents.
The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department initially made contact with Lewis on January 8 in relation to alleged messages he sent to Clark on X, according to Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears via ESPN.
“Been driving around your house 3x a day,” Lewis wrote to Clark, according to court documents. “But don’t call the law just yet.”
Other messages sent by Lewis to Clark were described as being sexually violent, according to court documents. The 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year told police that she feared for her safety prior to Lewis arriving in Indianapolis, which led to her altering her appearance in public.
Mears said investigators were able to track down Lewis through IP addresses of his recent messages and located him at the Indianapolis hotel. The suspect told police he was in “an imaginary relationship” with Clark and had traveled to Indianapolis on vacation.
Police said Lewis continued to send messages to Clark even after speaking to police.
“It takes a lot of courage for women to come forward in these cases, which is why many don’t,” Mears said via ESPN. “In doing so, the victim is setting an example for all women who deserve to live and work in Indy without the threat of sexual violence.
“We commend Pacers Sports & Entertainment, and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office for the swift and serious action that led to this weekend’s arrest.”
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