The Texas man who is accused of stalking WNBA guard Caitlin Clark made his first court appearance this week and shouted “guilty as charged” in the middle of court.
The Associated Press reported that Michael Lewis, 55, is accused of repeated and continued harassment of the Indiana Fever’s WNBA rookie of the year. He was arrested on Sunday after officials used an IP address that connected him to a hotel in downtown Indianapolis.
"Guilty as charged": A Texas man accused of stalking and sending sexual messages to Fever guard Caitlin Clark admitted to his guilt "as soon as he sat down."
— WISH-TV News (@WISHNews8) January 14, 2025
According to @HGutierrezTV, the suspect appeared erratic, laughing throughout the hearing. https://t.co/lJ2OSapgl6
Last week police spoke with Lewis about the social media posts he sent to Clark. Lewis told them that the messages were part of an “imaginary” relationship with Clark and that they were “just a joke,” WISH reported.
But prosecutors said the messages “may have escalated” after police spoke to Lewis.
Clark said she became “very fearful” because of the messages.
During his first court appearance, Lewis said he was “guilty as charged” with WISH’s reporter characterizing Lewis’ behavior as “very erratic” during the hearing. He appeared to laugh at some points and commented about not receiving his medication while he was being held in jail. He also said he had been living in his car.
At one point the judge told Lewis, “You have a right to remain silent, and I expect you to exercise that on me,” and “stop talking,” ESPN reported.
Despite his assertion, the court filed a not-guilty plea on Lews’ behalf and he has been assigned a public defender.
He is charged with felony stalking, the AP reported.
He was held on a $50,000 bond and if it is posted will have to wear an ankle monitor as he remains in Indiana, the AP reported. He is not allowed to be within 500 feet of the arenas where Clark’s team plays its home games.
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