Caitlin Clark's alleged stalker faces a contentious first hearing with an Indiana judge.

On Sunday, a man from Texas was apprehended.

Caitlin Clark's alleged stalker faces a contentious first hearing with an Indiana judge.
Caitlin Clark's alleged stalker faces a contentious first hearing with an Indiana judge.

On Wednesday, a Texas man who was arrested for allegedly stalking and sending sexually violent messages to Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark had a disruptive hearing where he pleaded not guilty to the charges.

According to ESPN, Michael Lewis appeared in Marion County Superior Court, sat back in his chair, and confessed to the charges, declaring himself "guilty."

Caitlin Clark dribbles
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark plays against the Dallas Wings in Indianapolis, Sept. 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy, File)

Lewis was placed on $50,000 bail and instructed to avoid the Gainbridge Fieldhouse and Hinkle Fieldhouse, where the Fever and Butler Bulldogs play, respectively. Connor McCaffrey, Clark's boyfriend, works as an assistant on Butler's men's basketball team.

According to FOX 59, a 55-year-old man was charged with stalking, threatening sexual battery, or death. This offense is classified as a Level 5 felony, and if convicted, he could be sentenced to up to six years in prison.

It is claimed that Lewis used his X account to send sexually violent messages to Clark, including one that said he had been circling her house and urged her not to contact the authorities. Additionally, he is said to have discussed attending a Fever game and sitting behind the bench.

On Jan. 8, the station reported that authorities spoke to Lewis about the messages he sent to the WNBA sharpshooter. Lewis allegedly told authorities that he was going on vacation to Indianapolis and minimized the number of messages he sent.

Caitlin Clark poses with jersey
Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever during her introductory press conference on April 17, 2024, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. (Ron Hoskins/NBAE via Getty Images)

Lewis stated that the messages were not threatening and described them as a "fantasy-type thing" and a "joke" to authorities.

According to reports, Clark claimed she was scared by the messages she received and informed authorities about them.

""It takes a lot of courage for women to come forward in cases of sexual violence, which is why many don't. However, by doing so, the victim is setting an example for all women who deserve to live and work in Indy without the threat of sexual violence," Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears said, via FOX 59."

Nearly a month after an Oregon man pleaded guilty to stalking UConn Huskies women's basketball star Paige Bueckers, Lewis was arrested.

Caitlin Clark signs a ball
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) signs mini basketballs for fans following in a WNBA basketball game against the Dallas Wings in Indianapolis, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024.  (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

In August, Robert Cole Parmalee, 40, was arrested near Bradley International Airport in Connecticut and discovered with an engagement ring and lingerie. He confessed to intending to marry Bueckers.

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by Ryan Gaydos

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