A Utah judge has dismissed a first-degree felony rape charge against former Brigham Young University standout wide receiver Parker Kingston, but state prosecutors say they plan to refile the case after it was scheduled for trial in July.
Background
Kingston was charged with rape in February following a yearlong investigation into an alleged assault that reportedly occurred at a St. George woman's home in February 2025. The former football player, who was BYU's leading receiver last season, pleaded not guilty to the charge and has maintained through his attorney that all sexual activity with the woman was consensual.
The case had been set for jury trial in July before prosecutors requested a continuance due to the alleged victim's health condition. According to court filings from June 16, Deputy Washington County Attorney Jerry Jaeger wrote that "the State cannot proceed without the victim" and that prosecutors "will not jeopardize the victim's health." An attorney for the alleged victim joined the request, asking the court to continue the trial to allow her to fully recover from medical issues.
Kingston's defense team opposed any postponement. In a June 17 response, his attorney Cara Tangaro argued the state had made a similar continuance request that was previously denied and that further delay would violate Kingston's right to a speedy trial. Tangaro wrote that Kingston had "borne the stress of being falsely accused of rape" and that the charge had prevented him from completing his college degree.
The Charges
Washington County prosecutors initially charged Kingston with first-degree felony rape following their investigation into allegations made by a 20-year-old woman. According to court documents, the alleged victim told investigators she had made clear to Kingston before he arrived at her house that she did not want to have sex with him, and she reported telling him to stop several times when he initiated sexual activity.
Kingston told St. George police that all sexual activity with the woman was consensual, according to an affidavit filed in the case. After Judge No - after reviewing the prosecution's continuance request, the court denied it and instead dismissed the case without prejudice on Thursday, meaning prosecutors retain the ability to refile charges once the alleged victim is able to participate.
Key Takeaways
- Parker Kingston, former BYU leading receiver, had been charged with first-degree felony rape in February 2026
- A Washington County judge dismissed the charge without prejudice after prosecutors requested a continuance due to the alleged victim's medical condition
- Prosecutors say they plan to refile the charge once the victim can participate in proceedings
- Kingston's defense argued the delay violated his right to a speedy trial and had already caused him significant harm
- The alleged victim's family expressed disappointment, saying their daughter showed "tremendous courage" in coming forward
What's Next
Prosecutors have indicated they will refile charges against Parker Kingston once the alleged victim recovers sufficiently to participate in trial proceedings. No new court dates have been set. Tangaro declined to comment on the dismissal.