Lexington pastor sentenced for rape and sexual abuse of young girl

FRANKFORT, Ky. – A former Lexington pastor charged with sexual abuse and rape of a young church member is heading to prison.

According to the Attorney General’s Office, 48-year-old Zachary King, who previously served as executive pastor of LexCity Church, appeared in Fayette Circuit Court Thursday for his sentencing hearing.

King was sentenced to 13 years in prison, officials say.

According to the office of Attorney General Russell Coleman, King previously pleaded guilty in March to first-degree rape, first-degree sodomy, procuring or promoting the use of a minor in sexual activities, first-degree unlawful transaction with a minor, third-degree rape, third-degree sodomy and first-degree sex abuse.

The attorney general’s office says the victim attended the church King pastored when the abuse occurred.

At the time of the reported sexual abuse, the victim was a minor, officials say.

King also contacted the victim “to arrange additional meetings where he sexually assaulted her,” according to the attorney general’s office.

King will register as a lifetime sex offender. Officials say the judge also ordered him to have no contact with the victim.

“The defendant not only betrayed the trust of his victim but an entire congregation and community. We are relieved he will be sent to prison, rather than returning to the pulpit,” Coleman stated.

The Attorney General’s Department of Criminal Investigations investigated the case with support from the Lexington Police Department.