a recent court appearance, Michael Thomas Lewis, a 55-year-old man from Denton, Texas, charged with felony stalking of WNBA star Caitlin Clark, proclaimed himself “guilty as charged.” incident occurred on January 14, 2025, in Indianapolis, where Lewis faced allegations of sending threatening and sexually explicit messages to Clark via social media platforms.
Courtroom Outburst and Legal Proceedings
During the hearing, Lewis exted erratic behavior, including shouting “guilty as charged” upon entering the courtroom. Judge Angela Davis entered a not guilty on his behalf, advising him to remain silent and communicate solely with his attorney. Lewis was held on a $50,000 bond, conditions including wearing an ankle monitor andaintaining no conta with Clark. A pretrial hearing is schedul for March 31, 2025. (NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth)
Details of the Stal Allegations
The charges stem from Lewis’s actions between December 16,4, and January 2, 2025, during which he allegedly sent multiple threatening and sexually explicit messages tolark on social medi These communications reportedlcaused Clark significant fear and distress. The FBI traced the messages to an IP address asated with an Indianapolis hotel, leading to Lewis’s arrest. (ESPN)
Caitlin Clark’s Reonse
Caitlin Clark, the 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year, has not publicly commented on the incident. However, the stalking allegations have raised concerns about the safety and well-being oathletes, highlightg the need for rost measures to protect public figures from such harassment.
Legal Implications
If convicted, Lewis faces a Level 5 felony charge in Indi which carries a sentence ranging from one to six years, with a presumptive sentence of three years, and a fine of up to $10,000. (NBC 5 Dallas–Fort Worth)
Conclusion
The case underscores the serious nature of stalking offenses and the importance of legal protections for individuals targeted by such behavior. As the legal proceedings continue, attention remains on ensuring justice for Caitlin Clark and addressing the broader issue of stalking in the sports community.
For more details on this case, you can watch the following video:
Man accused of stalking Caitlin Clark proclaims himself ‘guilty as charged’ in 1st court
