A Texas man was arrested for allegedly sending threats and sexually explicit messages to WNBA star Caitlin Clark and was held on a $50,000 bond following a tumultuous court appearance in Indianapolis on Tuesday.
Marion County prosecutors charged 55-year-old Michael Thomas Lewis from Denton, Texas, with felony stalking.
During a preliminary hearing in front of Marion County Superior Court Judge Angela Davis, Lewis made several outbursts, as reported by NBC and ESPN. According to NBC, Lewis repeatedly shouted phrases such as “guilty as charged,” “I’m free,” and “I guess you got the wrong guy” throughout the hearing. When the court inquired about his mental health, he replied, “I need my medicines.
” Lewis did not retain an attorney for the hearing, leading Judge Davis to appoint a public defender who entered a not guilty plea on his behalf.
She also ordered him to maintain distance from Gainbridge Fieldhouse, the home venue for the Fever, and Hinkle Fieldhouse, where Butler basketball games are held.
Notably, Clark’s boyfriend, Connor McCaffery, serves as an assistant coach at Butler. In court, Lewis expressed his lack of desire to post bond, stating, “I don’t want bond, bail, whatever. I’m here. I’m staying.”
