In a case highlighting the ongoing battle with online harassment faced by public figures, a Texas man has been charged with stalking after allegedly sending a series of threatening and sexually explicit messages to WNBA star Caitlin Clark via social media.

Michael Lewis, a 55-year-old resident of Texas, was apprehended on Sunday in a hotel in Indianapolis, Indiana, home to Clark's team, Indiana Fever.

Authorities were alerted to messages purportedly sent by Mr. Lewis to Clark on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter).

These communications allegedly included threats and sexually explicit content, prompting swift action from law enforcement.

Court documents reveal that the messages spanned the period from December 16 to January 2.

One cited message chillingly read: "@CaitlinClark22 been driving around your house 3x a day..but don't call the law just yet, the public is allowed to drive by gainbridge..aka Caitlin's Fieldhouse." Another message asserted: "I'm getting tickets.

I'm sitting behind the bench."

Clark, who was awarded the WNBA Rookie of the Year title in 2024, reported the disturbing messages to the police, expressing fear for her safety.

The 22-year-old athlete, known for her prolific playing style, reportedly had to take measures such as altering her public appearance to manage her safety concerns, sports network ESPN reported.

Law enforcement, with the help of the FBI, traced the IP addresses of the threatening messages to a downtown Indianapolis hotel.

Marion County prosecutor Ryan Mears emphasized the seriousness of the charges brought against Mr. Lewis, with possible penalties including up to six years in prison and a $10,000 fine if convicted.

Mr. Lewis, slated to appear in court on Tuesday morning, reportedly informed police that his messages were meant as an "imagination, fantasy type thing and it's a joke, and it's nothing to do with threatening," as per court documents.

In a public statement, Prosecutor Mears commended Clark for her bravery in reporting the harassment, acknowledging that such cases often go unreported due to fear and societal pressure.

"It takes a lot of courage for women to come forward in these cases, which is why many don't," Mears said.

"In 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."

This incident comes shortly after another high-profile case, where a man from Oregon was arrested and charged with stalking and harassment of women's college basketball star Paige Bueckers.

These cases underscore the persistent issue of online harassment experienced by female athletes and the important dialogue surrounding personal safety in the digital age.