Man sentenced for harassing communications as Crown stays sexual touching charge

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — A man appeared in Fort St. John court to answer for multiple charges including internet luring, harassing communication and sexual touching.

Zachery Hawk Burns King entered a not guilty plea to one count of internet luring on January 7th, 2026. 

However, he pled guilty to a lesser charge of harassing communications. 

King was given a conditional discharge sentence – which means the record won’t show a conviction if a person meets the conditions the judge sets – and a probation order for three years. 

On a third charge of invitation to sexual touching, the Crown decided to stay the proceedings at the conclusion of the sentence hearing. 

When asked if King took a plea deal, the B.C. Prosecution Service said the Crown counsel and the defence counsel have a “duty to engage in plea resolution discussions.”

It added early resolutions reduce trauma and inconvenience to victims and witnesses. 

Also the court ordered a publication ban on information that could identify the victim or witness.