Yakima Bears Player Arraigned in Salem Rape Case

The charges stem from the victim being unable to consent to sexual activity due to her age and not due to force.

Norman Joel Melendez-Ramos Photo: Salem Police Department

(SALEM, Ore. ) - A Yakima Bears baseball player arrested for rape while playing the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes last month, was arraigned Thursday on an indictment from a Marion County grand jury.

21-year-old Norman Joel Melendez-Ramos, is charged with one count of rape and two counts of sodomy.

His plea hearing is scheduled for September 11th.

Melendez-Ramos allegedly met the 15-year-old female victim following the baseball game at Volcanoes Stadium on Tuesday, July 24th.

The two spoke and exchanged phone numbers, then made arrangements to meet following the game on July 25th.

The victim came to the hotel where the team was staying at which time the two engaged in sexual activity.

The charges stem from the victim being unable to consent to sexual activity due to her age and not due to force.