A Texas man accused of sending threatening and sexual messages to WNBA star Caitlin Clark shocked an Indianapolis courtroom during his opening statement Tuesday.
Michael Lewis, 55, who was arrested shortly after arriving in Indianapolis on suspicion of stalking the WNBA phenom, entered the courtroom Tuesday wearing an orange jumpsuit, sat across from the judge, and said, “Indictment.'' He is guilty as stated.''
The judge quickly reminded Lewis of his rights and countered that a confession was unnecessary. “You have a right to remain silent and we expect you to exercise that right, okay?'' This just tells you what the charges are,'' the judge said.
But Mr Lewis rejected the judge's advice, saying he was prepared to “throw the book at me”.
Despite Lewis' attempts to end the trial before it began, the judge appointed the Texan a public defender and entered a “not guilty” plea on Lewis' behalf.
The judge continued to advise Lewis, who was leaving the courtroom, to “remain silent in prison and only speak to your lawyer.”
According to court documents obtained by TMZ Sports, Clark was not only aware of the stalking messages, but even adjusted his schedule for public appearances due to safety concerns.
According to court documents, one of Lewis' messages read, “You're driving around my house three times a day…but don't call the law yet. Ordinary people like Gainbridge…a.k.a. Caitlin's Field. You are allowed to drive by the house.”
Another read: “I'm getting tickets. I'm sitting behind the bench…and I'm going to make them stand up…look at me…calm down Michael …Stuck in the snow.”
TMZ Sports report“Lewis, who faces up to six years in prison on the felony stalking charge, signed a document ordering him to stay away from Clark and his bail was set at $50,000.”
Lewis is scheduled to appear before a judge again in March.
