News Summary
Jimmie Stewart, a 63-year-old registered sex offender from Lexington, has been arrested on charges of rape involving a minor. His history of offenses raises significant public safety concerns as authorities investigate the severity of the allegations. Stewart was charged with third-degree rape and sexual abuse and currently remains in custody at the Fayette County Detention Center. The case has spurred local officials to evaluate community safety measures regarding repeat offenders as parents express alarm over the potential threat to minors.
Lexington Man Arrested for Rape of a Minor while Reoffender Status Raises Concerns
Lexington – A 63-year-old man named Jimmie Stewart has been arrested and charged with rape in connection with an incident involving a minor, leading to heightened concerns about public safety given his history as a registered sex offender. The arrest took place on Wednesday, July 23, and has prompted local authorities to further investigate his actions and potential threat to the community.
Stewart, who has lifetime registered sex offender status due to previous convictions, is accused of engaging in deviate sexual intercourse with a 17-year-old girl and also accused of touching her without consent. Court documents detailing these allegations have raised alarm about the severity of the situation. The precise timing of the alleged offenses has not been clarified, adding to the urgency of the case.
Following his arrest, Stewart is facing multiple charges, including third-degree rape, third-degree sexual abuse, and third-degree sodomy. As of July 29, he remains held at the Fayette County Detention Center, where his bond is set at $50,000. The case has been forwarded to a Fayette County grand jury for further consideration as of July 28.
Previous Offenses and Parole Violations
Stewart’s criminal history dates back to 1988 when he was convicted of several serious crimes including rape, sodomy, unlawful imprisonment, and burglary. He was sentenced to 60 years in prison for these offenses and eventually released on parole in December 2001. Since his release, he has returned to custody two times for parole violations, indicating a pattern of difficulties adhering to the conditions of his release. His latest return to custody was in March 2020, after which he was released once again on parole.
Community Reaction and Safety Concerns
The recent arrest of Stewart has heightened concerns within the Lexington community regarding the safety of minors and the effectiveness of the sex offender registry in preventing repeat offenses. Local authorities are currently evaluating how to address these issues and ensure the safety of residents. Parents and community leaders are urged to stay informed and vigilant as the case progresses through the legal system.
As of now, the Herald-Leader is attempting to reach Stewart’s attorney for comments regarding the current charges against him. The case highlights ongoing concerns regarding sexual offenses against minors and the complexities surrounding offenders who pose a repeated threat to the community.
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Additional Resources
- Kentucky.com: Lexington Man Arrested
- Wikipedia: Stay Safe from Sex Offenders
- WISTV: Newberry County Man Sentenced
- Google Search: Sex Offender Registry Effectiveness
- WXII12: Sex Offender Near Playground
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Sexual Offender
- Lexington Leader: Another Sex Offender Sentenced
- Google News: Lexington Sex Offender Arrests
- ABC News 4: Man Sentenced for Child Sex Crimes
- Google Scholar: Sex Offender Recidivism

Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexingtonKY.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.


