This article will update.
A Texas man accused of stalking Caitlin Clark was arrested in Indianapolis this weekend after police said he sent numerous threats and sexually explicit messages to the Indiana Fever player, according to prosecutors.
The Marion County Prosecutor’s Office announced Monday a stalking charge against Michael Lewis, 55, after an investigation into the messages. Officials said detectives learned the messages were sent from an IP address in Indianapolis, specifically a hotel Lewis was staying at in the 100 block of North Market Street. Indianapolis police contacted Lewis on Jan. 8 about the messages, to which Lewis said it was “an imaginary relationship.”
The messages continued, police said.
“No matter how prominent a figure you are, this case shows that online harassment can quickly escalate to actual threats of physical violence,” Prosecutor Ryan Mears said. “It takes a lot of courage for women to come forward in these cases, which is why many don’t. 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.”
If convicted, Lewis faces one to six years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
Prosecutors have filed an order requesting Lewis to stay away from Hinkle Fieldhouse and Gainbridge Fieldhouse where the Fever regularly play.
Contact IndyStar reporter Sarah Nelson at sarah.nelson@indystar.com
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Texas man charged with stalking, accused of threatening Caitlin Clark