Man Sentenced to 18 Months in Prison for Stalking and Harassing Caitlin Clark
In a disturbing case that shook the WNBA community and fans of women’s basketball, Michael Lewis, a 55-year-old man from Denton, Texas, was sentenced to more than 18 months in prison on Monday for stalking and harassing Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark.
Lewis pleaded guilty to felony stalking charges and was immediately sentenced by a Marion County judge. The charges stem from a pattern of threatening and sexually explicit messages he sent to Clark via social media platforms beginning in late 2024. The messages prompted Clark to contact law enforcement, citing fears for her safety.
According to court documents, Lewis not only sent disturbing messages but also told Clark that he had been repeatedly driving by her home and intended to circle Gainbridge Fieldhouse, where the Fever play their home games. His messages were laced with inappropriate content, aggressive language, and threats that escalated over time.
Lewis was arrested on January 12 at a hotel in downtown Indianapolis, where investigators traced his IP address following a series of online threats. He was held at the Marion County Adult Detention Center since his arrest and received credit for time already served.
During Monday’s sentencing, Lewis displayed erratic and disruptive behavior. According to reports from WTHR 13 in Indianapolis, the judge was forced to pause proceedings multiple times to warn Lewis about his conduct in the courtroom. Ultimately, the court accepted his plea agreement and handed down the sentence.
As part of the sentencing conditions, Lewis has been ordered to avoid all contact with Caitlin Clark and to stay away from all Indiana Fever and Indiana Pacers games, events, and facilities. He is also barred from using the internet during the duration of his sentence, and the court has recommended that he receive mental health treatment while incarcerated.
Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears commented on the verdict, stating, “This resolution ensures that the defendant is held accountable for his threatening actions, the fear he instilled, and the disruption he caused.”
Clark, who has become one of the most prominent faces in the WNBA since being drafted No. 1 overall in 2024, has not commented publicly on the sentencing but has previously shared her concerns about safety following the incident. The case has sparked broader conversations about the security of public figures, particularly female athletes, and the need for stronger safeguards against online harassment and stalking.
The Fever and the WNBA have yet to release an official statement regarding the sentencing but are expected to reinforce their commitment to player safety in the wake of the incident.
As the league grows in popularity and visibility, the importance of protecting players from targeted harassment — both online and offline — remains more critical than ever.
