Open in App
  • Local
  • U.S.
  • Election
  • Politics
  • Crime
  • Sports
  • Lifestyle
  • Education
  • Real Estate
  • Newsletter
  • Lexington HeraldLeader

    Former LexCity Church pastor indicted on seven felony counts related to sex crimes

    By Taylor Six,

    9 days ago

    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1hZ8XQ_0uz4s17F00

    The former lead pastor at LexCity Church was indicted Thursday on seven felony counts related to sex crimes, including rape.

    Attorney General Russell Coleman announced Thursday his office had secured the grand jury indictment against 47-year-old Zachary King.

    Six of the charges in the indictment were the same ones with which King had already been charged last month — first-degree rape, first-degree sodomy, unlawful use of electronic means to induce a minor to engage in sexual activity, third-degree rape, third-degree sodomy, and one count of first-degree sexual abuse. The indictment also added a charge of unlawful transaction with a minor.

    Unlike a trial jury, grand juries like the one that handed down King’s indictment do not determine if defendants are guilty. Instead, they determine what charges , if any, a defendant will face based on evidence presented to them by prosecutors. They can either bolster or reduce the charges brought forth by prosecutors.

    King’s arrest citation says he resigned from the church, formerly called Quest , after being confronted by church staff over allegations of an improper relationship with a minor.

    He was arrested in July and accused of raping a 15-year-old for more than a year between January 2023 and this past April.

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

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

    After King’s arrest, LexCity announced it would permanently shutting down.

    “Our hearts are broken for those who have been hurt and are hurting, and we will continue to cooperate fully with the ongoing investigation. However, with heavy hearts, we feel it is in the best interest of the Kingdom and our community that we discontinue our ministry,” LexCity Church said in a statement posted to its website.

    Expand All
    Comments / 0
    Add a Comment
    YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
    Most Popular newsMost Popular

    Comments / 0