Texas Man Sentenced for Harassing Woman with Threats

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — A Texas man was sentenced to two and a half years in prison on Monday for stalking and harassing a woman with threatening and explicit messages. Michael Lewis, 55, pleaded guilty to one felony count of stalking and one misdemeanor count of harassment as part of a plea agreement with Marion County prosecutors.

Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears stated, “This resolution ensures that the defendant is held accountable for his threatening actions, the fear he instilled, and the disruption he caused.” The judge sentenced Lewis to the maximum of two and a half years, although he received credit for 197 days served, reducing his time to just under two years for the stalking charge.

The plea agreement prohibits Lewis from contacting the victim, 23-year-old Clark, and bars him from visiting Gainbridge Fieldhouse and Hinkle Fieldhouse, the home arenas of the Indiana Fever. Prosecutors reported that Lewis sent over 800 threatening messages via social media between December 12, 2024, and January 11, 2025.

Authorities also caught him driving from Texas to Indianapolis, where he allegedly passed Gainbridge Fieldhouse multiple times and purchased tickets to a Butler University women’s basketball game knowing Clark would attend. On January 8, police found Lewis in an Indianapolis hotel, where he admitted to having “an imaginary relationship” with Clark.

Lewis continued to contact Clark even after being approached by law enforcement, leading to his arrest on January 12. During his first court appearance, Lewis leaned back in his chair and declared his guilt, while expressing concerns about not receiving medication for mental health issues since his arrest.

At his sentencing, Lewis acknowledged he knew “almost nothing” about Clark’s personal life when he began messaging her. However, he also claimed he never threatened or followed her, prompting a warning from the judge that he was jeopardizing his plea agreement.

The agreement states that Lewis should pursue mental health treatment and return to Texas after serving his sentence. Lewis’ attorney did not respond to requests for comments.