Former Portland Trailblazer Charged With Sexual Assault

 Posted Wed, 04/10/2024 - 1:08pm

LAKE OSWEGO – On April 9, 2024, 31-year-old Ben McLemore was arrested at the Portland International Airport on an outstanding felony warrant for the following charges:

  • Rape 1
  • Unlawful Sexual Penetration 1
  • Sex Abuse 2 (2 counts)

The charges stem from a reported sexual assault that occurred in the City of Lake Oswego on October 3, 2021. 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.

In the investigation, detectives learned that she reported she was assaulted at a home in the 1200 block of Cherry Lane in Lake Oswego, and the suspect was identified as McLemore, who was a Portland Trailblazer at the time of the incident. Mr. McLemore moved out of state during the investigation and frequently traveled overseas for his employment, resulting in delays in the investigation, while detectives continued to gather evidence.

In February of this year, a Clackamas County Grand Jury heard evidence in the case, including testimony from the survivor, and issued an indictment against Mr. McLemore and an arrest warrant for the listed charges.

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.  

Mr. McLemore was arraigned in Clackamas County Circuit Court today, April 10, 2024, at 2:00 P.M.

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