Particle.news

Download on the App Store

Ben McLemore Sentenced to 100 Months in Oregon Prison for 2021 Rape Conviction

His attorneys are pressing Oregon lawmakers to authorize a “second look” review that could potentially reduce his term

Image
Mar 21, 2022; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Ben McLemore (23) dribbles the ball in front of Detroit Pistons center Isaiah Stewart (28) during the second quarter at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports/File Photo
Image
Image

Overview

  • A Clackamas County jury convicted McLemore of first-degree rape, first-degree unlawful sexual penetration and second-degree sexual abuse after a week-long trial
  • Judge Michael Wetzel imposed the 100-month sentence on July 9, exceeding eight years behind bars
  • The charges stem from an October 2021 house-party assault at Robert Covington’s Lake Oswego home where the 21-year-old victim said she was incapacitated by alcohol
  • McLemore’s defense maintains the encounter was consensual and is highlighting his community work as it advocates for legislative sentence review
  • Clackamas County prosecutors hailed the ruling as a deterrent message and underscored the challenges survivors face when reporting sexual violence