Judge removes ankle monitor for former BYU football’s Parker Kingston in rape case

ST. GEORGE — Former Brigham Young University football player Parker Kingston made a quick appearance in court Monday that resulted in the removal of his ankle monitor. 

Kingston was ordered to wear the ankle monitor weeks ago after he was charged with first-degree felony rape and granted bail.

Monday’s hearing barely lasted a minute, but that was enough for 5th District Court Judge Jay Winward to grant the ankle monitor removal and move Kingston’s preliminary hearing to next week, after attorneys said they needed more time to review evidence and witness testimony.

Winward also made two things clear to Kingston in the courtroom. “You cannot be on social media. You cannot return to Washington County without permission, do you understand?” Winward asked. 

Kingston responded “yes” from a seat positioned right next to his attorney. Kingston is accused of sexually assaulting a woman at her St. George apartment just over a year ago.

BYU confirmed Kingston was dismissed from the football program shortly after the charges were filed. 

Kingston is scheduled to return to court next Thursday. There the judge will decide whether there’s enough evidence for the case to go to trial.

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