Ben McLemore arraigned on first-degree rape, other sex crimes

Ben McLemore, a former NBA lottery pick, was arraigned Wednesday in Clackamas County, Oregon, Circuit Court on four sex charges.

Among the charges he faces are first-degree rape and first-degree unlawful sexual penetration, both of which are Level A misdemeanors carrying a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

The other two charges – Level C misdemeanors carrying a maximum sentence of five years in prison – are two counts of second-degree sexual abuse.

He is due back in court on July 1 at 10 a.m.

McLemore was arrested Tuesday on an outstanding warrant related to the charges at Portland International Airport by the U.S. Marshals Service after he landed around noon local time.

The sexual assault allegations stem from an incident that occurred in the City of Lake Oswego on October 3, 2021, according to a police news release.

The victim said the alleged assault took place at a home in the 1200 block of Cherry Lane in Lake Oswego.

McLemore was a member of the Trail Blazers at the time of the alleged assault.

“Mr. McLemore left the state during the investigation and frequently traveled overseas for work, which caused delays in the investigation while detectives continued to gather evidence,” police said in a statement.

A grand jury returned an indictment and an arrest warrant was issued in February after hearing testimony from the victim and presentation of evidence in the case.

“We commend the courage of the survivor who came forward and submitted to this arduous process, and we will continue to support her in every way possible,” police said.

The 31-year-old former NBA player hasn’t played in the league since 2022, when he played in 64 games that season for the Trail Blazers.

McLemore was selected seventh overall by the Kings in the 2013 NBA Draft out of Kansas.

He spent four years in Sacramento before playing with the Grizzlies, Rockets, Lakers and Trail Blazers.