NEW ALBANY — The megachurch that formerly employed a man recently charged with rape involving a minor is “deeply saddened” by the news that broke earlier Friday.
Gary Thomas “Tom” Keesee, Jr., 36, was arrested Friday by the Licking County Sheriff’s Office. He is the son of Gary and Drenda Keesee, who lead Faith Life Church.
“We know this is a difficult time for our community, our congregation, and all families involved,” reads a statement issued by Faith Life Church’s attorney, Katari Buck. “Faith Life Church decries all forms of sexual abuse and stands with survivors of such abuse in faith and prayer.”
Keesee faces two counts of rape involving a minor younger than 13.
He is currently jailed at Licking County County Justice Center pending a grand jury hearing that will be held in Knox County on Monday.
The investigation
Charges stem from a months-long investigation that began in Knox County in December. A Columbus detective contacted the Knox County Sheriff’s Office to report an incident of rape or sex abuse involving a juvenile.
KCSO refused to invesetigate and forwarded the case to the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, citing a conflict of interest. Keesee is the son of Knox County Commissioner Drenda Keesee. The Knox County Board of Commissioners oversees the sheriff’s office budget.
Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost also recused the BCI from investigating, citing a friendship with Keesee’s parents — Gary Sr. and Drenda. Yost, who is running to be Ohio’s next governor, said he and his wife had the Faith Life Church leaders over for dinner in February 2024.
On Feb. 1, Yost said his agency’s involvement would create the impression of a conflict of interest regardless of the case outcome.
On Feb. 7, Licking County Sheriff’s Office agreed to investigate the allegations.
At that point, multiple women had — including one of the Keesees’ three daughters — alleged sexual abuse from two men in the church.
The church has maintained its position that this investigation never involved crimes committed by current leaders or staff.
Tom Keesee, a Columbus native, resigned from his position as chief media officer of the church in August 2024.
Some of the incidents allegedly date back 22 years.
“The complaint alleges incidents that occurred approximately two decades ago that in no way involved Faith Life Church,” reads the church’s statement following Tom Keesee’s arrest. “The allegations have been investigated by the Licking County Sheriff’s Office, and Faith Life Church has cooperated fully with investigators.
“Our leadership has always pledged to uphold the highest standards of accountability and care, and we renew that promise today.”
The statement said the church would refrain from further public comment, but would “remain ready to cooperate with any legal inquiries as needed.”
“Faith Life Church is committed to fostering a safe, compassionate, and just environment. As we approach the Easter weekend — a time of reflection, renewal, and hope — we are reminded of Christ’s triumph over sin and death, and the call to walk in light, even amid darkness. In this season of resurrection, we cling to the promise that truth will prevail, healing is possible, and God is near to the brokenhearted.
“We ask for your continued prayers for all those affected by this difficult situation. Faith Life Church is committed to remaining a place of refuge and unwavering faith, grounded in the love, mercy, and justice of Jesus Christ.”
Drenda Keesee remains Knox County commissioner
Amidst the investigation, Drenda Keesee has faced calls for resignation and others have pointed to the commissioner’s lack of transparency when it came to investigations into the church’s finances.
The Ohio Attorney General’s charitable law section investigated Faith Life Church’s finances from 2020-2022 following a complaint from a former employee. No charges were filed, but the agency pointed to several “matters of concern.”
Drenda Keesee has refused to step down from her elected position and has said she will not “abandon the trust that voters have placed in me.”
