Ben McLemore, 31, a former NBA guard, was apprehended by U.S. Marshals on Tuesday and incarcerated in Oregon. He faces allegations of sexual assault dating back to 2021 when he was associated with the Portland Trail Blazers. The arrest, made at Portland International Airport, was based on an outstanding felony warrant.
McLemore is charged with one count of first-degree rape, one count of first-degree unlawful sexual penetration, and two counts of second-degree sexual abuse, as reported by Lake Oswego police in Oregon. During McLemore’s tenure with the Trail Blazers, the charges stem from an incident reported in Lake Oswego on Oct. 3, 2021,
Police launched an investigation, identifying McLemore as a suspect. Since departing from the Trail Blazers, McLemore has played professionally in China, Greece, and Spain. His most recent game was with the Spanish team Rio Breogan against Palencia last Saturday.
Lake Oswego Police cited McLemore’s departure from Oregon during the investigation as causing delays, but detectives continued their efforts to collect evidence”In February, a Clackamas County grand jury convened to review the case, listening to testimony from the woman who accused McLemore of assault.”
Subsequently, the grand jury issued an indictment against McLemore along with an arrest warrant, according to police.
“We commend the survivor for her bravery in stepping forward and navigating this challenging process, and we remain committed to offering our support in any way possible,” stated law enforcement officials.
McLemore was initially booked into the Multnomah County Detention Center at 12:58 p.m. PT on Tuesday before being transferred to the Clackamas County Jail, as confirmed by a spokesperson from the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office.
Following his arrest, McLemore appeared for arraignment in Clackamas County Circuit Court on Wednesday afternoon. Jail records indicated his release by Wednesday evening, with bail set at $500,000, requiring $50,000 for posting.
Requests for comment from McLemore’s legal counsel and representatives went unanswered at the time of reporting. His next court appearance will be on 10 a.m. PT on July 1 in Oregon. McLemore, selected as the seventh pick in the 2013 NBA draft from Kansas, had a career spanning nine seasons with five different teams.”