Ben McLemore Found Guilty of Rape by Clackamas County Jury

A jury in Clackamas County, Washington, has determined that Ben McLemore, a former NBA player, is guilty of multiple sexual offenses, including rape, unlawful sexual penetration, and sexual abuse. The jury deliberated for approximately ten hours before reaching their verdict on Thursday, while McLemore was acquitted on one count of second-degree sexual abuse. The incident occurred during a party in 2021 at a lakeside home, hosted by his then-teammate Robert Covington.

According to prosecutors, McLemore was fully aware of the victim's inebriated state, as she was heavily intoxicated and partially unconscious before the alleged assault. Witnesses noted that the woman was struggling to walk and speak coherently, eventually passing out on the couch in the living room. The prosecutors emphasized that the woman was physically unable to give consent, highlighting her condition at the time of the incident.

Initially, McLemore reportedly denied having sexual contact with the woman but later altered his story after it became known that DNA evidence had been gathered. His attorney expressed surprise at the verdict while acknowledging the jury's hard work. In a defense statement, it was argued that both individuals involved had agency and made choices, even if they were intoxicated. McLemore, who exited the NBA in 2022 to play professionally overseas, is scheduled for sentencing next week, where he is expected to receive a minimum of eight years in prison.