Lewis was apprehended on Sunday at a hotel in Indianapolis after being tracked by the FBI through the IP addresses of the messages he sent to Clark between December 16 and January 2. Among the alarming messages cited in court documents, Lewis notably stated that he had been driving by Clark’s house three times daily and planned to attend games sitting behind the bench. These communications prompted Clark to reach out to police, expressing her fears for her safety.
The young athlete, recognized as the 2024 Women’s National Basketball Association rookie of the year, took proactive measures for her safety, including altering her appearance in public. Prosecutors noted that Clark felt "terrorized, frightened, intimidated, or threatened" by Lewis's messages.
Lewis is scheduled for a court appearance on Tuesday and, if convicted, could face a maximum of six years in prison and a fine of $10,000. Despite his claims that his messages were merely "an imagination, fantasy type thing and it's a joke," law enforcement officials are taking these threats seriously.
Marion County prosecutor Ryan Mears emphasized the bravery it takes for victims, particularly women, to come forward in stalking cases. Mears remarked that the victim's actions set an important precedent for other women, reminding society that they deserve to live and work free from threats of violence. This incident comes on the heels of a similar case involving harassment charges against another women’s basketball star, Paige Bueckers, highlighting a concerning trend of stalking in the realm of women’s sports.
The young athlete, recognized as the 2024 Women’s National Basketball Association rookie of the year, took proactive measures for her safety, including altering her appearance in public. Prosecutors noted that Clark felt "terrorized, frightened, intimidated, or threatened" by Lewis's messages.
Lewis is scheduled for a court appearance on Tuesday and, if convicted, could face a maximum of six years in prison and a fine of $10,000. Despite his claims that his messages were merely "an imagination, fantasy type thing and it's a joke," law enforcement officials are taking these threats seriously.
Marion County prosecutor Ryan Mears emphasized the bravery it takes for victims, particularly women, to come forward in stalking cases. Mears remarked that the victim's actions set an important precedent for other women, reminding society that they deserve to live and work free from threats of violence. This incident comes on the heels of a similar case involving harassment charges against another women’s basketball star, Paige Bueckers, highlighting a concerning trend of stalking in the realm of women’s sports.
