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Brigham Young University's Parker Kingston, a college football star, has been charged with first-degree felony rape, per a release from the Washington County Attorney's Office
The charges stem from an alleged incident in February of last year in St. George, Utah
The release states that a female who was then aged 20 reported a sexual assault to officers at St. George Regional Hospital
College football star Parker Kingston, a wide receiver for the Brigham Young University (BYU) Cougars, has been charged with first-degree felony rape, authorities have confirmed.
On Wednesday, Feb. 11, the Washington County Attorney's Office shared a news release onFacebook, confirming that the charges against Kingston, 21, stem from an incident that allegedly occurred on Feb. 23, 2025 in St. George, Utah.
"This charge follows an investigation that began in February 2025 after the alleged victim, a female then 20-years-old, reported a sexual assault to officers at St. George Regional Hospital," the release stated.
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The post said, "Detectives with the St. George Police Department then gathered digital and forensic evidence. They also conducted interviews with the parties involved and other witnesses. The information was then turned over to the Washington County Attorney's Office for review."
The release confirmed that Kingston had been taken into custody and was currently being held in Washington County without bail. An initial appearance is scheduled in Utah's Fifth Judicial District Court for Friday, Feb. 13 at 1:30 p.m. local time.
The Washington County Attorney's Office said it "takes allegations of sexual assault seriously," per the release, which also thanked "the medical professionals and law enforcement officers who assisted with this investigation for their partnership and professionalism."
BYU's athletic department released a statement acknowledging Kingston's arrest on Wednesday, per the university'sDaily Universe Sportswebsite.
The statement read, "BYU became aware today of the arrest of Parker Kingston. The university takes any allegation very seriously and will cooperate with law enforcement. Due to federal and university privacy laws and practices for students, the university will not be able to provide additional comment."
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BYU spokespeople didn't immediately respond when contacted by PEOPLE for comment. A Washington County Attorney's Office spokesperson said they had no further information to add in an email to PEOPLE on Thursday, Feb. 12.
Kingston was "BYU's leading receiver during the 2025 season, finishing with 66 receptions, 924 receiving yards, and five touchdowns," per BYU'sDaily Universe Sportssite, which added that he'd also rushed for 199 yards and a touchdown.
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The athlete had announced in a Jan. 2Instagram postthat he was planning to return to BYU to play his final college season.
"One last ride!! Thank you to the coaches and BYU for investing in me🙏🏼 We've got unfinished business to take care of let's get it⏳ #gocougs #lastdance," Kingston captioned a photo of himself.
Kingston's arrest came after BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff wasaccused of sexual assaultin a lawsuit filed in May last year, stemming from an alleged incident that occurred in 2023. The case has since been dismissed, andRetzlaff ended up transferringto the Tulane Green Wave team at Tulane University.
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, please contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or go torainn.org.
Read the original article onPeople
