Lexington Man Sentenced to 67 Years for Rape, Child Porn Charges

38-year-old Martin E Constante Jr. received the lengthy sentence after a jury convicted him on multiple felonies.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 8:02pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a cracked and damaged cell phone screen, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually representing the digital evidence used to convict the perpetrator.The digital evidence used to convict a Lexington man of heinous crimes against a minor exposes the dark reality of child exploitation.Lexington Today

A Lexington man has been sentenced to 67 years in prison after being convicted on charges of statutory rape, incest, and possession of child pornography. 38-year-old Martin E Constante Jr. received the lengthy sentence earlier this month in a Lafayette County Circuit Court, following a jury trial in February.

Why it matters

This case highlights the serious consequences for individuals convicted of sexual crimes against minors, as well as the importance of law enforcement and the justice system working to protect vulnerable children from abuse and exploitation.

The details

According to Prosecuting Attorney Kristen Hilbrenner, the victim informed law enforcement in January 2023 that she had been assaulted on multiple occasions, and named Constante as the assailant. Two of the locations were identified as a hotel in Lexington and a local orchard. Hilbrenner says the victim's mother located photos of the child on Constante's cell phone and turned the phone over to law enforcement.

  • In January 2023, the victim reported the assaults to law enforcement.
  • In early February 2026, the trial took place after a mistrial had been declared last September.
  • On March 1, 2026, Constante was sentenced to 67 years in prison.

The players

Martin E Constante Jr.

A 38-year-old man from Lexington who was convicted on charges of statutory rape, incest, and possession of child pornography.

Kristen Hilbrenner

The Prosecuting Attorney who handled the case against Constante.

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What’s next

Constante has filed a notice of intent to appeal his conviction to the Western District Court of Appeals.

The takeaway

This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and reporting when it comes to protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation. The lengthy sentence handed down to Constante underscores the gravity of these types of crimes and the commitment of the justice system to hold perpetrators accountable.