A Texas man accused of stalking and sending sexually assaulting messages to Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark pleaded not guilty Wednesday in a tumultuous hearing.
Michael Lewis entered Marion County Superior Court, leaned back in his chair and told Judge Angela Davis that he was guilty as charged. to ESPN.
According to the report, Davis suggested that Lewis exercise his right to remain silent and enter a not guilty plea on Lewis' behalf because he would not accept anything else at the first hearing.
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Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark plays against the Dallas Wings on September 15, 2024 in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy, File)
Lewis posted $50,000 bail and was ordered to stay away from Gainbridge Fieldhouse and Hinkle Fieldhouse, where the Fever and Butler Bulldogs played. Clark's boyfriend, Connor McCaffrey, is an assistant on Butler's men's basketball team.
Lewis, 55, was charged with sexual assault and stalking with threats to kill. fox 59 The report cited court documents. This charge is considered a Level 5 felony. If convicted, he could be sentenced to up to six years in prison.
Mr. Lewis allegedly sent sexually violent messages to Mr. Clark through the X account. One message said he drove around her house multiple times and advised her not to call the law yet. He also reportedly talked about going to a Fever game and sitting behind the bench.
The agency said authorities discussed the messages with Lewis on Jan. 8. He reportedly told authorities he was going to Indianapolis on vacation and downplayed the number of messages he sent to the WNBA sharpshooter.
Jemele Hill quietly deletes Caitlin Clarke's post after stalking arrest
Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever during her induction press conference at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on April 17, 2024 in Indianapolis. (Ron Hoskins/NBAE via Getty Images)
Lewis told authorities the messages were not threatening, but were “fanciful” and “joking.”
Clark reportedly alerted authorities to the messages and said he was horrified by the words sent to him.
“It takes a lot of courage for a woman to come forward in a case like this, which is why so many don't come forward,” Marion County Attorney Ryan Mears said via FOX 59. “In doing so, the victims are setting an example for all women” who are entitled to live and work in Indy without the threat of sexual violence. ”
Lewis' arrest comes nearly a month after an Oregon man pleaded guilty to stalking University Huskies women's basketball star Paige Bueckers.
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark, 22, signs mini-basketballs for fans after a WNBA basketball game against the Dallas Wings on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
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Robert Cole Parmalee, 40, was arrested in August and found with an engagement ring and lingerie as he walked near Bradley International Airport in Connecticut. He said he intended to marry the Bakkers.
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