A man from Texas was apprehended in Indianapolis over the weekend on charges of felony stalking related to Caitlin Clark. He reportedly sent a number of sexually aggressive and threatening messages to the Indiana Fever athlete, according to local prosecutors on Monday.

The Marion County Prosecutor’s Office stated that Michael Lewis, 55, was arrested after an investigation concluded that he traveled to Indianapolis intending to be near Clark. He continued to send messages to Clark even after police inquired about his actions last week.

The prosecutor’s office has also sought a restraining order to keep Lewis away from Hinkle Fieldhouse and Gainbridge Fieldhouse, venues where the Fever typically host their home games in the WNBA.

“No matter how well-known an individual may be, this situation highlights how online harassment can rapidly turn into genuine threats of physical harm,” stated Marion County prosecutor Ryan Mears. “It requires immense bravery for women to speak out in situations like this, which is why many choose to remain silent. By coming forward, the victim sets an example for all women who deserve to feel safe in Indy without facing sexual violence. We applaud the quick and serious response from Pacers Sports & Entertainment and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office that led to this weekend’s arrest.”

Police found that Lewis had recently sent messages from his X account using IP addresses linked to a Hilton Garden Inn and the downtown Indianapolis Public Library. His presence in Indianapolis was particularly alarming as he resides in Texas, according to the probable cause affidavit.

The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police contacted Lewis on January 8 in his hotel room about the troubling messages, as indicated in police records. Lewis denied sending any threatening content, claiming, “this is just an imaginary relationship.”

Despite this encounter with law enforcement, Lewis allegedly continued to send inappropriate messages to Clark after their discussion. The charging documents noted that Lewis’ continued attempts to contact Clark showed a total disregard for the seriousness of his actions and suggested that he would persist in his harassing behavior.

In an interview with police on Saturday, Clark expressed that “she has felt very fearful since becoming aware of the messages and has changed her public habits and routines out of concern for her safety.” The affidavit also reported, “Clark mentioned that she is extremely worried for her safety upon realizing that Lewis was in Indianapolis and emphasized that she does not know Lewis and has never answered any of his communications.”

The stalking charges against Lewis carry a potential sentence of 1 to 6 years, along with a fine of up to $10,000. Prosecutors have also requested a higher-than-normal bond for him.

Clark has become a prominent figure in women’s basketball and one of the most recognized athletes in the nation across all sports. She gained attention by achieving record-breaking success at Iowa and being named WNBA Rookie of the Year in her first season, averaging 19.2 points, 8.4 assists, and 5.7 rebounds per game for the Fever.