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BYU wide receiver Parker Kingston has been charged with rape just days after announcing his engagement.
Utah prosecutors filed a first-degree aggravated rape charge against Kingston, officials announced Wednesday, stemming from an alleged incident last year.
A woman, who was 20 years old at the time, told officers at a hospital in St. George that Kingston assaulted her on Feb. 23, 2025, prosecutors said. Police collected digital and forensic evidence and interviewed the parties involved and other witnesses, the prosecutor said. An investigation has been underway since the report.
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BYU Cougars wide receiver Parker Kingston catches a pass against the Iowa State Cyclones at Jack Trice Stadium. (Reese Strickland/Imagn Images)
Kingston, 21, is being held without bail in St. George, a town near the Arizona border, Washington County prosecutors said. His first court appearance is scheduled for Friday, and the sentence ranges from five years to life in prison.
The wide receiver appeared to make his commitment public during BYU’s latest men’s basketball game against Houston on Saturday. Kingston and his new fiancee were shown on the jumbotron where she flexed her new engagement ring.
BYU Cougars wide receiver Parker Kingston catches a pass against the Iowa State Cyclones at Jack Trice Stadium. (Reese Strickland/Imagn Images)
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BYU said in a statement that it takes any allegation very seriously and will cooperate with law enforcement. It said it would not be able to comment further because of federal and university privacy laws and practices for students.
BYU Cougars wide receiver Parker Kingston celebrates after a first down against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the second half at Camping World Stadium. Compulsory credit: (Kim Klement Neitzel/Imagn Images)
Kingston had a team-leading 67 receptions and 928 yards with five touchdowns last season. He also rushed for 199 yards on 25 carries with a score, and returned 17 punts for 230 yards and a TD.
