With the verdict delivered July 3, 2025ju umpire from Clackamas County, Oregon, found former NBA guards. Ben McLemore Based on the 2021 incident at the party while he was playing for the Portland Trail Blazers, he committed first-degree rape, first-degree illegal sexual penetration, and second-degree sexual abuse charges.
Cases and Verdicts
After 11 days of trial and about 10 hours of ju trial deliberation, 32-year-old McLemore was found guilty of three felony counts and acquitted on a second count of sexual abuse for the second time.
The charges stem from an incident that occurred in Lake Oswego, Oregon, and are early in the morning. October 3, 2021at a party hosted at the home of his then teacher, Robert Covington.
Prosecutor’s account
Prosecutors argued that the victim was extremely disabled. Vomiting early in the evening, witnesses explaining obscure speech, difficulty in walking, and head-stirring problems. She eventually died on a living room sofa around 2am, and McLemore was later lying on the same sofa.
According to the District Attorney’s Office, the woman partially regained consciousness around 6am, during which McLemore committed digital penetration and subsequent sexual intercourse. She reportedly was “decaying” with consciousness and fear.
In her court testimony, the victim said: “You can’t make it someone else. Not to mention people you don’t know… I don’t care who you are.”
Defense Statement and McLemore’s response
McLemore kept that sexual encounters agreed to from the start. In a statement shared last year, he said: “I didn’t rape this woman. I’m not sexually abusive. I’ve never pursued a sexual relationship when I realized that a woman was not interested in me and was willing to act.”
During testimony at trial, McLemore alleged that the woman touched him and woke him up, and then left the residence soon after. He testified that he had not had a conversation with her before, during or after the meeting.
The defense attorneys alleged that the two were drunk in the case, and that the man was more drunk than the woman. According to the court application, attorney Lisa Maxfield urged the judge that the only reasonable verdict was not guilty in such circumstances.
Comments from the indictment authorities
Clackamas County District Attorney John Wentworth emphasized that the case will send a clear message. “It’s not Clackamas County. This case shows that my office is prosecuting criminal conduct regardless of the status of the offender’s community.”
Legal Procedure Overview
Clackamas County Large Ju Court has filed for McLemore February 2024after hearing testimony from the victims and others. He was arrested by the US Former S in April 2024.
McLemore had pleaded not guilty to all four counts before trial. The convictions for three counts represent a serious turning point in this case.
Judgment and potential statements
McLemore faces a verdict Wednesday, July 9th, 20259:30am in Clackamas County Circuit Court.
Under Oregon law, first-degree rape and first-degree illegal sexual intrusions require a mandatory minimum sentence of approximately 100 months (approximately 8.3 years) up to 20 years. Two-degree sexual abuse is a Class C felony in prison for up to five years.
It will impact McLemore’s career and reputation
McLemore was drafted seventh overall in 2013 by the Sacramento Kings, and spent nine seasons in the NBA on several teams, including the Grizzlies, Rocket, Lakers and Trail Blazer. He moved abroad in China, Greece, Spain and Türkiye after his last play in the NBA during the 2021-22 season.
Confidence will devastatingly hit both his professional basketball career and public reputation.
The broader issues raised by the case
Victims advocates and legal analysts point to the emphasis on the consent, addiction and how the court handles allegations that involve celebrities and athlete status. The victim testified that she pursued a criminal case in principle, not for financial gain.
The prosecution’s claim that addiction has been denied highlights the ongoing debate about how harsh courts will be treated if one party is neutralised. The evidence presented included a photograph of the victim falling over the toilet and handing him on the sofa.
Next Steps and Prospects Judgment
The July 9th sentencing hearing is extremely important. Prosecutors can press sentences close to the mandatory minimum range for Class A felony. Defense may demand generosity. McLemore’s lack of previous criminal history can be a factor, but the severity of the crime increases.
After the verdict, McLemore may be eligible for appeal. However, given the consistency of the ju-search verdicts and testimony, it is difficult to overturn beliefs.
Conclusion
Ben McLemore’s beliefs represent a pivotal moment in the judicial system’s involvement with well-known defendants. The Clackamas County ju judge clearly rejected his version of the event, based on his account of the victim and portrayal of a prosecutor who was extremely addicted and incompetent.
This case may remain a reference point for consent policies and training, particularly in litigation involving individuals with alcohol disorders. It also serves as a warning substance for professional athletes about personal behavior and accountability.
As McLemore awaits the verdict, Fallout continues beyond basketball’s world, legal world, and public discourse about sexual violence and accountability.
