{"id":20805,"date":"2025-07-28T20:08:59","date_gmt":"2025-07-29T00:08:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/citystuff.com\/new-york\/?p=20805"},"modified":"2025-07-28T20:08:59","modified_gmt":"2025-07-29T00:08:59","slug":"man-pleads-guilty-to-stalking-wnba-star-caitlin-clark","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/citystuff.com\/new-york\/2025\/07\/28\/man-pleads-guilty-to-stalking-wnba-star-caitlin-clark\/","title":{"rendered":"Man Pleads Guilty to Stalking WNBA Star Caitlin Clark"},"content":{"rendered":"

Man Pleads Guilty to Stalking, Harassing WNBA Star<\/h1>\n

Introduction to the Case<\/h2>\n

A Texas man was sentenced to more than two years in prison Monday after he pleaded guilty to stalking and harassing WNBA star Caitlin Clark, officials said.<\/p>\n

Details of the Sentencing<\/h2>\n

Michael Lewis, 55, was sentenced to 2.5 years for the stalking charge and was given a 180-day suspended sentence for harassment, a spokesman for Indiana’s Marion County Prosecutor\u2019s Office said.
\nLewis, who has been incarcerated at an Indianapolis jail since his arrest in January, will have a time-served credit of 197 days applied toward his prison term, court records show.<\/p>\n

The Charges Against Lewis<\/h2>\n

Lewis was accused of sending a series of vulgar, sexually graphic messages to Clark on X, the social media platform, between December and January, prosecutors have said.
\n\u201cThis resolution ensures that the defendant is held accountable for his threatening actions, the fear he instilled, and the disruption he caused,\u201d Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears said in a statement Monday.
\n\u201cHe will now spend the next two and a half years in the Department of Corrections, and the victim will be able to have peace of mind while focusing on what matters to her,\u201d Mears said.<\/p>\n

Protective Measures for the Victim<\/h2>\n

A stay-away order was also issued for Indiana Fever events and Hinkle Fieldhouse, where Clark\u2019s boyfriend, an assistant basketball coach for Butler University, works, the records show.<\/p>\n

Lewis’ Statement<\/h2>\n

In a presentencing statement Monday, Lewis denied threatening Clark and said he had been trying to highlight security concerns for Clark, NBC affiliate WTHR reported.
\n\u201cI want her to be safe,\u201d he said, according to WTHR.
\nAt one point, the judge presiding over the case interrupted Lewis\u2019 statement and warned he was \u201cgoing to talk himself out of a plea,\u201d the station reported.
\n\u201cYou have to understand that as part of a plea deal, you are admitting responsibility,\u201d the judge said, according to the station.<\/p>\n

About Caitlin Clark<\/h2>\n

Clark, who was selected first overall by the Indiana Fever in last year\u2019s WNBA draft, is college basketball\u2019s all-time leading scorer.
\n
\nHere\u2019s a look at key dates for the 2025 WNBA campaign, which will include Paige Bueckers and the new Golden State Valkyries.<\/p>\n

Conclusion<\/h2>\n

The sentencing of Michael Lewis to over two years in prison for stalking and harassing WNBA star Caitlin Clark marks a significant step in holding perpetrators of such crimes accountable. The protective measures put in place, including a stay-away order, aim to ensure Clark’s safety and peace of mind. This case highlights the importance of addressing stalking and harassment, especially for public figures who are vulnerable to such actions.<\/p>\n

FAQs<\/h2>\n