Former Lexington pastor charged with rape, exploitation and sexual abuse of a minor

Christopher Leach

July 2, 2024 at 10:59 a.m.·2 min read

A former Lexington pastor is facing multiple sexual-related offenses after allegedly having sex with a minor for over one year, according to court documents.

Zachary King, 47, is facing charges of first-degree rape, third-degree rape, first-degree sodomy, third-degree sodomy, first-degree sexual abuse and procuring or promoting the use of a minor by electronic means, according to court records. Attorney General Russell Coleman’s office confirmed King was a former executive pastor of LexCity Church.

King’s arrest citation says resigned after being confronted by church staff in reference to allegations of an inappropriate relationship with a minor. King consented to an interview with a detective and admitted to having sex with a 15-year-old minor beginning in January 2023 and lasting until April 2024.

The sexual encounters happened at his home, the minor’s home and at the former pastor’s church, according to court documents.

King’s arrest citation didn’t say specifically where he was a former pastor, but LexCity’s YouTube page feature multiple sermons from King, most recently in March.

King also used Snapchat and Whatsapp to communicate with the minor and share and receive sexually explicit images, according to court documents.

King was arrested Monday afternoon and booked into the Fayette County Detention Center, according to jail records. He is being held on a $250,000 bond and will appear in Fayette District Court on Friday for a preliminary hearing, according to Coleman’s office.

The attorney general’s Department of Criminal Investigations team assisted the Lexington Police Department with the investigation. Coleman’s office said Assistant Attorney General Todd Willard with the Special Prosecutions Unit will present the case to the Fayette County Grand Jury in collaboration with the Fayette County Commonwealth’s Attorney Office.

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