An Ohio grand jury indicted Gary Thomas “Tom” Keesee, Jr., on five new sex abuse charges Monday, intensifying an already high-profile case. Keesee, 36, is the son of pastors Gary and Drenda Keesee of Faith Life Church in New Albany. The indictment brings the total number of charges against him to 32, including 13 counts of first-degree felony rape.
Fourth Alleged Victim Identified in Expanding Case
The latest charges stem from allegations involving a fourth victim, who was just six or seven years old at the time of the alleged abuse. According to Knox County records, the abuse occurred in Mt. Vernon, Ohio. Previous reports revealed the three other victims were between ages 5 and 15 and attended Faith Life Church, where Keesee served as chief media officer and directed the church’s youth musical “Fire and Ice.”
Supporters Cite Church Ties, Detractors Raise Accountability Issues
Supporters of Keesee have pointed to his long-standing church role and public presence. His parents host a financial show on Daystar TV. His mother, Drenda, also holds a political office as Knox County commissioner. Detractors argue that these public roles demand heightened accountability, especially given the victims’ ages and church connections.
Keesee Remains in Jail, Pleads Not Guilty
Keesee was arrested in April and remains held at the Licking County Justice Center. He pleaded not guilty to the initial 27 charges, which included multiple counts of rape and gross sexual imposition. A Knox County judge has set his bond at $2 million. The arraignment for the latest charges is scheduled for June 3, with trial proceedings set to begin July 1.
Defense Attorney Maintains Client’s Innocence
Prominent Columbus defense attorney Samuel Shamansky is representing Keesee. Known for defending high-profile clients, Shamansky previously stated Keesee was “wrongly accused.” He has not yet commented on the new indictments.
Source:
Fourth Victim, Five New Sex Abuse Charges Filed for Son of Ohio Megachurch Pastor
Photo by Oz Seyrek on Unsplash
About Post Author
