Former Lexington pastor pleads guilty to raping a minor
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Zachary King pleaded guilty to multiple sexual charges and an electronic-related offense.
- Court records say he raped a 15-year-old from Jan 2023 to Apr 2024; arrested July 2024.
- Prosecutors recommend a 13-year sentence; sentencing set for June 4 in Fayette Circuit.
A former Lexington pastor who is charged with raping a minor has pleaded guilty to several charges, according to Herald-Leader news reporting partner WKYT.
Zachary King, 48, pleaded guilty Monday in Fayette Circuit Court to charges of first-degree rape, first-degree sodomy, first-degree sexual abuse, third-degree rape, third-degree sodomy, first-degree unlawful transaction with a minor and procuring or promoting the use of a minor by electronic means. WKYT reported his recommended prison sentence is 13 years.
King was arrested in July 2024 after investigators determined he raped a 15-year-old for more than a year between January 2023 and April 2024. The incidents happened at the pastor’s home, the minor’s home and at the former pastor’s church, according to court documents.
King was a former pastor at LexCity Church. Court documents say he resigned from the church, formerly called Quest, after being confronted by church staff over the allegations.
King is scheduled to be sentenced June 4, according to court records.
LexCity Church announced it was permanently shutting down shortly after King’s arrest. The property is now used by the Ukrainian Pentecostal Church and a Lexington-based affordable housing developer that built a 45-unit apartment complex for senior citizens.
