Who is Michael Lewis? Man jailed for harassing Caitlin Clark

Michael Lewis has been sentenced to 2.5 years in prison for online harassment of Indiana Fever basketball star “Caitlin Clark.”

What Happened?

According to the BBC, Lewis had been sending hundreds of threatening and sexually explicit messages to “Caitlin Clark” since 2023. His online behavior was serious enough to get the FBI involved.

Police used digital tracking to locate him. He was found at a hotel near the Indiana Fever’s home arena, which raised more concerns. Even though Lewis said he was “on vacation,” his social media posts showed that he had moved from Texas to be closer to Clark.

In court, even after pleading guilty, Lewis claimed he “never threatened her” and said he only wanted her “to be safe” by pointing out problems in her security system.

The Court’s Decision

As part of a plea deal, Lewis was given 2.5 years in prison, but he’ll actually serve 18 months, since he had already spent time in jail.

The court also banned him from attending Indiana Fever and Indiana Pacers games. He must stay away from both Gainbridge Fieldhouse and Hinkle Fieldhouse. The judge also recommended that Lewis receive mental health treatment.

What the Prosecutor Said

After the sentencing, Prosecutor Ryan Mears said, “No matter how prominent a figure you are, this case shows that online harassment can quickly escalate to actual threats of physical violence.”

He also added, “It takes a lot of courage for women to come forward in these cases, which is why many don’t.”