Former Trail Blazer facing first-degree rape charge

PORTLAND Ore. (KPTV) - Former Portland Trail Blazer Ben McLemore was booked in Clackamas County Jail on Wednesday and charged with first-degree rape among other sex crime charges.

These charges come after Lake Oswego Police said the victim reported the sexual assault in October 2021 when McLemore was still a Blazer.

Court documents said McLemore sexually assaulted someone who was ‘incapable of consent by reason of mental incapacitation, physical helplessness and or incapability of appraising the nature of the victim’s conduct.’

Police said McLemore moved out of state during the investigation which caused delays. Documents said the alleged victim worked with them for years and testified to a grand jury February which led to the indictment.

“We applaud the courage of the survivor to come forward and put herself through this arduous process, and we will continue to support her in any way we can,” said Lake Oswego Police in a written statement.

The judge set McLemore’s bail at $500,000 and his attorney said he will be posting bail Wednesday.

Before his next court date, McLemore will be allowed to travel out of the country because he is currently a basketball player in Spain.

According to a court order, he’ll also be allowed to live and travel between California and Oregon.

McLemore was a Trailblazer between 2021 and 2022. He had a long NBA career before that after being picked in the top ten of the 2013 draft by Sacramento. His season in Portland was his last in the NBA.

If you or someone you know is a victim of sexual assault, there is help available. Go here or call the National Sexual Assault Hotline (1-800-656-4673) to be connected to resources.