SUMMARY
- Kingston was charged with first degree felony rape after a 20 year old woman reported a sexual assault.
- BYU confirmed it was cooperating with authorities but provided no further comment due to privacy laws.
- The athlete led BYU in receiving in 2025 with 66 catches, 924 yards, and five touchdowns.
ST. GEORGE, Utah — Brigham Young University (BYU) wide receiver Parker Kingston was arrested Tuesday and charged with first degree felony rape following an alleged incident on Feb. 23, 2025, in St. George, Utah, according to the Washington County Attorney’s Office.
Kingston, 21, is currently held without bail and is scheduled to appear in Utah’s 5th Judicial District Court Friday.
Kingston’s arrest has sent shockwaves through college athletics, raising concerns about player conduct and campus safety.
Authorities said the investigation began when the alleged victim sought medical attention and reported the assault.
Digital and forensic evidence was collected by the St. George Police Department before referral to the county attorney’s office.
Kingston had announced Jan. 2 that he intended to return to BYU for his final college season.
His arrest follows high profile incidents involving BYU athletes, including former quarterback Jake Retzlaff, who faced a civil lawsuit for sexual assault and a university suspension before transferring to Tulane.
BYU athletics said it takes allegations seriously and is cooperating with law enforcement. Criminal justice experts note that such cases place universities in complex legal and reputational positions.
Professor Angela Martinez, a criminal law scholar at the University of Utah, said, “Universities must balance student privacy with transparency and compliance, which becomes challenging when high profile athletes are involved.”
Jonathan Neff, director of the Utah Coalition Against Sexual Assault, added, “Immediate law enforcement cooperation and victim support are critical to both due process and campus safety.”
Washington County Attorney Jerry Jaeger confirmed investigators collected digital evidence and conducted multiple interviews. BYU Athletics said it would not comment further, citing federal and university privacy regulations.
Kingston’s court appearance Friday will determine initial legal proceedings. BYU’s response and ongoing cooperation with law enforcement may influence athletic department policies and NCAA compliance reviews.
The arrest highlights ongoing challenges in handling sexual assault allegations within collegiate sports, emphasizing both legal accountability and institutional responsibility.
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