02/13/26 11:29:00
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02/13 23:20 CST BYU says star wide receiver charged with felony rape is no
longer a student there
BYU says star wide receiver charged with felony rape is no longer a student
there
By HANNAH SCHOENBAUM
Associated Press
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) --- Brigham Young University said Friday that standout wide
receiver Parker Kingston is no longer a student at the Utah private school
after he was arrested this week on a first-degree felony rape charge.
Kingston, 21, made his initial court appearance Friday in St. George, where
prosecutors say a woman who was 20 years old at the time told officers that
Kingston assaulted her at her home last February. He was arrested following a
yearlong investigation in which detectives collected digital and forensic
evidence and interviewed witnesses, Washington County Attorney Jerry Jaeger
said.
"I found by clear and convincing evidence that Mr. Kingston was a danger to the
community," Judge John Walton said during the hearing.
Still, Walton allowed Kingston to be released Friday on a $100,000 bond with
$10,000 cash immediately paid to the court after he was held initially without
bail.
His defense attorney, Cara Tangaro, agreed that Kingston could have no contact
with his accuser or any potential witnesses, must stay off social media and
would wear a GPS ankle monitor to ensure he doesn't return to the southwestern
Utah county, except for court appearances. He appeared before the judge by
remote video link from jail Friday.
If convicted, he could serve five years to life in prison.
BYU spokesperson Jon McBride said the administration and coaches were only made
aware of the investigation and the allegations against Kingston after his
arrest this week. He declined to answer whether Kingston was kicked out or left
the school voluntarily.
Tangaro told The Associated Press on Friday night that she had not yet talked
to BYU and could not comment about the case, per a court order.
Kingston told St. George Police that "all sexual activity" with the woman
accusing him of rape was "consensual," according to an affidavit unsealed
Thursday. The woman told investigators she had made clear to Kingston before he
came to her house that she did not want to have sex with him, and she told him
to stop several times when he initiated sex, the affidavit said.
BYU, the flagship university of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints, known widely as the Mormon church, has a strict honor code for students
that prohibits all sexual relations outside of a marriage between a man and a
woman. Those who violate it can face suspension, and for athletes, many weeks
riding the bench.
Other top athletes including Tulane quarterback Jake Retzlaff have opted to
leave BYU when faced with lengthy suspensions for violating the honor code.
Kingston was BYU's leading receiver last season.
He is expected to make his next court appearance Feb. 25.
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