Salem Police Arrest Yakima Bears Player on Rape Charge

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. - Early Thursday morning, police detectives in Salem, Oregon arrested 21-year-old Norman Joel Melendez-Ramos on charges of Rape in the Third Degree.

Melendez-Ramos is a baseball player for the Yakima Bears, a minor league affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks, that is currently in Salem for a series of games against the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes.

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.

Melendez-Ramos was transported and booked into the Marion County Jail for Rape in the Third Degree.

Officials with the Yakima Bears have been in touch with investigators in this case.

Information from Yakima Bears:

Full Name: Norman Joel Melendez

Birthplace: Manatt, Puerto Rico

College: Southeastern C.C., West Burlington, IA

Selected by the Diamondbacks in the 28th round of the MLB Draft in 2005.

Height: 5' 11"

Weight: 170

Bats: R

Throws: R

Highlights: Hit .275 with six RBIs and 17 stolen bases in 22 games in Dominican Summer League (Diamondbacks). Batted .235 in five games at Class A Yakima.

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