FRANKFORT, Ky. (June 4, 2026) – A former Lexington pastor charged with sexually abusing a young church member is heading to prison, thanks to action from the Attorney General’s Office. Zachary King, who previously served as executive pastor of LexCity Church, appeared in Fayette Circuit Court Thursday for his sentencing hearing.
King, 48, was sentenced to 13 years in prison. King previously pleaded guilty to Rape 1st Degree (Class B Felony), Sodomy 1st Degree (Class B Felony), Procuring or Promoting Use of a Minor in Sexual Activities (Class D Felony), Unlawful Transaction with a Minor First Degree (Class C Felony), Rape 3rd Degree (Class D Felony), Sodomy 3rd Degree (Class D Felony), and Sex Abuse 1st Degree (Class D Felony) in March.
The victim attended the church King pastored when the abuse occurred. According to court documents, on one occasion, King restrained the victim, raped and sodomized her. At the time, the victim was a minor. King then contacted the victim to arrange additional meetings where he sexually assaulted her.
Under the terms of his plea agreement, King will register as a lifetime sex offender. The judge also ordered him to have no contact with the victim.
A photo of King is available here.
“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,” said Attorney General Coleman.
The Attorney General’s Department of Criminal Investigations investigated the case with support from the Lexington Police Department. Assistant Attorney General Todd Willard prosecuted the case on behalf of the Commonwealth. Erica Paske of the Attorney General’s Office of Victims Advocacy provided services for the victim.