MOUNT VERNON — An attorney representing a New Albany megachurch entrenched in an investigation involving sexual abuse issued a statement over the weekend that attempts to set the record straight on “inaccurate reports.”
Katie Taber, a partner at Asiatico Law, issued the statement on behalf of her client — Faith Life Church — on Friday evening at 6:45 p.m.
On Monday, Taber didn’t return a phone call or respond to an email from Knox Pages seeking clarification on several topics.
Her full statement is attached here, but here are the key insights.
Two from Faith Life Church being investigated
This marks the first time someone affiliated with Faith Life Church has publicly acknowledged a criminal investigation into “allegations of abuse” involving “two individuals with connections to the church.”
When asked via email to provide further details, including the nature of the abuse allegations, Taber did not respond on Monday. Her firm has offices in Texas and Florida, according to its website.
Capt. Jay Cook of the Licking County Sheriff’s Office detective division said Monday, “This is a very active investigation. We’re interviewing a lot of people.”
He declined to provide further details.
The church’s statement did not specify which media outlets made “inaccurate reports.” Instead, the statement included three facts that “require clarification.”
The first is a reiteration that “the church is not aware of any ongoing law enforcement investigation into criminal misconduct involving any current church leaders or staff.”
The second: “The church’s pastors and staff comply with all mandatory abuse reporting requirements under Ohio law.”
Several licensed professionals and clerics are required to report suspected abuse or neglect to the “public children services agency or law enforcement in the county in which the child resides or in which the abuse or neglect is occurring or has occurred,” according to state law.
The last bullet point states the church “has always retained its 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status and its ability to receive donations.”
State filings with the Ohio Secretary of State show that Faith-Full Family Fellowship Inc. — an early iteration of Faith Life Church — failed to file a statement of continued existence in February 2001. Ohio requires nonprofits to file this form every five years.
By September 2002, the church paid $25 and filed a form that reinstated the church.
Knox Pages contacted the Secretary of State’s Office on Monday seeking clarification on the church’s status between February 2001 and September 2002, but didn’t receive an answer by the time this story was published.
Other concerns
The statement from the church also raised other concerns.
“Some media reports have contained inaccuracies, including misrepresentation of the number of alleged victims, the nature of the church’s involvement, and the roles of the individuals accused,” the statement read.
Files obtained by Source Media Properties through a public records request confirm multiple victims allege abuse stretching back potentially 22 years. Several other alleged victims have also come forward on social media.
Before Knox County Sheriff’s Office deferred the entire investigation to Licking County authorities, KCSO Capt. Scott McKnight said the investigation would include talking to church leaders.
“Anyone who has had any affiliation with the church at the time of these allegations will be interviewed to see if they have any information,” he said.
The church’s statement also pointed to Faith Life Church’s implementation of “strict policies and procedures designed to protect children and youth, ensure their well-being, and uphold the highest standards of safety.
“These measures include thorough screening processes, volunteer training, and strict supervision protocols to create a safe and nurturing environment for all,” the statement reads.
When asked for copies of the policies and procedures, and for a date of implementation, Taber did not respond on Monday.
The statement also said the church “stand(s) ready to assist authorities in their efforts to ensure transparency and truth.”
Taber also did not address a question regarding whether or not authorities have contacted her or Gary and Drenda Keesee.
The church concluded its statement with gratefulness and encouraged others to cooperate with authorities.
“We appreciate the continued support of our congregation and the broader community. Our focus remains on serving with integrity and ensuring truth prevails in all matters. We continue to pray for all those affected and encourage anyone with relevant information to cooperate with law enforcement authorities,” Taber said.
