NEWARK — The wife of a former Faith Life Church official has withdrawn her legal request seeking protection orders against six people she claimed were “harassing” and “watching” her.
Alexis V. Keesee filed for the protection orders on Feb. 18. She also named her husband, Gary T. Keesee Jr. (Tom), as needing protection.
According to Licking County court records, she voluntarily dismissed her requests on Monday.
Alexis Keesee is listed as a contact for the church’s Young Society Band. Tom Keesee resigned as chief media officer at Faith Life Church in August 2024.
The church is the focus of an investigation involving sex crime allegations. Knox County Commissioner Drenda Keesee and her husband, Gary, lead the 3,000-member congregation, based in New Albany.
The Licking County Sheriff’s Office is leading the ongoing investigation.
Previous reporting involving allegations linked to faith life church
In her petitions, Alexis Keesee stated, “I have been severely harassed online by multiple people. I really fear for my safety and quality of life.”
She said the individuals slandered her online based on speculation and posted “they are watching me” and “waiting.”
Keesee also alleged the individuals lied, saying she was groomed and abused by her husband, and they accused her and her husband of being pedophiles and trafficking people.
“They have taken pictures of me at my workplace and home, and I had to report a person in my woods,” Keesee wrote in her petitions.
“They have called for violence and harassing anyone who knows us — attacking my friends, parents, husband and in-laws’ workplace. I just want them to stop talking about us online and stalking!”
According to court documents, Licking County Common Pleas Court Magistrate Tracy F. Van Winkle ruled on Feb. 18 that it was “inappropriate to issue an ex parte order of protection” based on lack of specificity.
What is Ex Parte?
Ex parte refers to a court proceeding for the benefit of one party to a controversy without the other party being present. Basic court procedure requires both parties to be present.
Ex parte matters typically are emergency requests and frequently result in a temporary order pending a hearing.
“The petitioner (Keesee) has filed six separate petitions for civil stalking protection orders … The petition for each contains the same factual basis for relief,” Van Winkle wrote.
“The petitioner does not state what specific actions the respondent herein is alleged to have taken. Instead it contains only general allegations concerning actions ‘they’ have taken.
“The factual allegations against this respondent are insufficient for this magistrate to determine whether any alleged actions by the respondent constitute menacing by stalking.”
However, “out of an abundance of caution,” Van Winkle ordered the parties to refrain from contacting each other until a full hearing could take place.
“Both parties are encouraged to report illegal activity or threats to their safety to the appropriate law enforcement agency,” Van Winkle’s order states.
Van Winkle set a full hearing for March 3 at 10 a.m.
At 8:06 a.m. on March 3, Woodsfield attorney Karena Reusser filed a notice of voluntary dismissal in the six cases.
“Petitioner (Keesee) sought this remedy in good faith after an extensive social media firestorm erupted last month that caused her to fear for her safety,” the notice stated.
“Several attorneys for respondents have filed motions to continue this matter. One respondent was not served in the matter. Whereas petitioner has seen a significant de-escalation in emotions surrounding the matter, and she greatly appreciates the same, she wishes to withdraw her request for protective orders against these individuals.”
Faith Life Church responds
Katie Taber, legal counsel for Faith Life Church, said in a statement that the church is aware some individuals affiliated with the church have experienced ongoing harassment from external groups.
“This harassment has included targeted social media campaigns, false accusations, and persistent online attacks. As a result, some of these individuals have exercised their legal right to seek protective orders against those they believe are harassing them,” the statement reads.
“Faith Life Church is not a party to any legal action related to these filings. The individuals who have sought protective orders have done so based on their personal experiences and their right to feel safe in their daily lives. The legal system provides protective orders as a remedy for those who feel threatened or harassed, and these individuals have every right to avail themselves of such protection.
“At Faith Life Church, we remain committed to truth, justice, and transparency. We encourage anyone with relevant information regarding any alleged misconduct to report it to the Licking County Sheriff’s Office. We support due process and the proper legal channels to address concerns while also standing by our members’ rights to protect themselves from harassment.”