Caitlin Clark, one of the most recognizable names in women’s basketball with the Indiana Fever, has been the target of an alarming stalking case that has now led to a formal conviction.
On Monday, 55-year-old Michael Lewis was sentenced for a string of deeply troubling incidents that began in late 2023, culminating in a guilty plea to felony stalking of Clark and harassment charges.
Lewis initially drew attention from authorities after he sent multiple sexually explicit and disturbing messages to Clark through social media while staying at a hotel in Indianapolis.
The case quickly escalated in January when his posts revealed an unhealthy fixation with the WNBA rookie. Court records confirmed that Lewis referred to himself as Clark’s “slave” and even imagined fabricated emergencies involving her.
A very real threat to Clark
On December 27, Lewis wrote that he had “sensual” feelings for Clark. Days later, on December 31, he shared intentions to “touch himself” while thinking about her.
The most unnerving message came in early January when he posted: “this is 911 what is your emergency? . . caitlin fell in the snow and we cant find her anywhere. Its like she disappeared. . . . Brass monkey, that funky monkey, brass monkey junkee, that funky monkey.”
These erratic and unsettling posts triggered widespread concern, prompting law enforcement, including the FBI, to locate Lewis using digital evidence.
Officers eventually found him staying in a hotel near the Indiana Fever’s home arena. Despite telling police he was simply on vacation, his social media posts indicated otherwise-suggesting he had moved from Texas to Indianapolis to be closer to Clark.
The situation forced Clark to make changes to her public routines. She reportedly became “very fearful” and altered her behavior in public settings. While Lewis claimed in court that he “never threatened her” and only wanted Clark “to be safe,” his obsessive conduct told another story.
What sentence did Caitlin Clark’s stalker receive?
Lewis has now been sentenced to two and a half years in prison. However, because of time already served, he will only spend approximately 18 more months behind bars.
As part of the sentence, he has been banned from attending Fever and Pacers games. The judge also recommended he undergo mental health treatment. Additionally, Lewis will not have access to the internet during his incarceration, a measure aimed at preventing further harassment.
According to prosecutors, Clark approved the terms of the plea deal. Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears commended her for speaking out, emphasizing the broader importance of addressing online threats before they turn into physical danger.
“It takes a lot of courage for women to come forward in these cases, which is why many don’t,” Mears said.
“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.”
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