Former Portland Trail Blazer Ben McLemore arrested, accused of rape in Lake Oswego

This story has been updated from its original version.

Former Portland Trail Blazer Ben McLemore faces multiple felony sexual abuse charges stemming from an alleged assault that took place in Lake Oswego.

According to a press release from the Lake Oswego Police Department, McLemore was arrested at the Portland International Airport April 9 and charged with first-degree rape, first-degree unlawful sexual penetration and two counts of second-degree sexual abuse. He was arraigned at Clackamas County Circuit Court April 10.

According to police, the alleged assault took place Oct. 9, 2021 at a home in Lake Oswego. McLemore, who played for the Trail Blazers at that time, was identified as the suspect but subsequently moved to play professional basketball overseas while the investigation continued.

“When the crime was reported, police collected available evidence and information and connected the survivor with a Victim’s Advocate. While the survivor was able to connect with an advocate, the criminal investigation was assigned to detectives for follow-up. The survivor has been cooperative in the investigation,” a press release from LOPD read.

The Clackamas County grand jury heard the case in February 2024 and issued an indictment. The alleged victim testified before the grand jury.

“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,” the LOPD press release stated.

McLemore is currently playing in Spain and court documents show that he was granted permission to travel outside the country following the arrest.

On Thursday, April 11, McLemore released a statement responding to the charges.

"The charges I was handed yesterday appear to allege that in 2021 I had sex with a woman who was too intoxicated to consent. I am not accused of using physical force to rape someone. Rather, I am accused of engaging in sexual activity with someone who now claims she did not consent," the statement read. "I did not rape this woman. I am not sexually abusive. I have never pursued a sexual relationship when I understood the woman was not interested in me and acting willingly."

The statement added that McLemore's attorneys had not received any reports or evidence from the prosecution, and that McLemore cooperated with the investigation.

"I indicated that I was interested in testifying in the grand jury but was refused that opportunity," McLemore said in the statement.