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5d ago

Ohio Megachurch Leader’s Son Indicted on Nearly 30 Felony Counts for Alleged Sexual Abuse of Minors

Gary 'Tom' Keesee Jr., 36, remains in custody following a grand jury indictment detailing alleged abuse spanning a decade and involving multiple victims, some as young as five years old.

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From right, Sheriff Randy Thorp, prosecutor Jenny Wells and investigator Gus Moore speak during a press conference about Gary Thomas Keesee Jr., 36, who was arrested Friday at the Licking County Sheriffs Office in Newark on April 21, 2025. A Knox County grand jury indicted Keesee, the son of Faith Life Church's founders, on 27 counts including rape, gross sexual imposition and unlawful sexual conduct with a minor.
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Overview

  • Gary 'Tom' Keesee Jr., son of Faith Life Church founders, was indicted on April 21 on 27 felony charges including 11 counts of rape and 11 counts of gross sexual imposition.
  • The allegations, dating from 2001 to 2011, involve multiple victims who were minors at the time, with one victim claiming abuse began at age five.
  • Keesee was arrested on April 18 by the Licking County Sheriff’s Office and is currently held in jail awaiting arraignment in Knox County Common Pleas Court on April 23.
  • The investigation, led by the Licking County Sheriff’s Office, began in February after other agencies recused themselves due to conflicts of interest tied to Keesee’s family connections.
  • Faith Life Church has denied involvement in the alleged incidents, stating they occurred outside of church settings, and Keesee’s attorney has called the charges baseless.