A Denton man accused of stalking WNBA star Caitlin Clark and sending threatening and sexually explicit messages via social media had his first court appearance in Indianapolis on Tuesday.
After walking into the courtroom, 55-year-old Michael Lewis sat down, leaned back in his chair, and said, "Guilty, as charged." The judge reminded him he had a right to remain silent, and the hearing was only an arraignment hearing, in which the charges against him were read.
During the hearing, Lewis was erratic and said he had not been taking his medication and was living out of his car.
Judge Angela Davis entered a preliminary plea of not guilty on his behalf. She said she would not allow him to plead guilty on the day of the initial hearing and suggested he "remain silent" and only speak with his attorney.
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The judge announced the court would appoint a public defender to serve as Lewis's attorney and approved a $50,000 surety bond. If he can post bond, Lewis has been ordered to stay in the area until his case is resolved, wear an ankle monitor and have no contact with Clark, either in person or via social media. He has also been ordered to stay away from the Gainbridge Fieldhouse and Hinkle Fieldhouse.
A pretrial hearing is scheduled for March 31.
Lewis was arrested in Indianapolis on Sunday. The Marion County prosecutor's office said Lewis' recent messages came from an IP address in Indianapolis and that he was staying at a local hotel.
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Lewis told officers he was in Indianapolis on vacation, and when asked about the threatening posts, he said it wasn't him and was just an imaginary relationship.
Lewis is facing a Level 5 felony in Indiana, which includes a sentence from one to six years with a presumptive sentence of three years and a fine of up to $10,000.