MOUNT VERNON — Licking County Sheriff’s deputies executed a search warrant May 15 at the home of Knox County Commissioner Drenda Keesee.
Commissioner Keesee and her husband, Gary Keesee Sr., live at 6040 Sharp Road.
According to the warrant, the search was limited to photographs and/or videotaped images of the property for evidentiary purposes in the investigation of the Keesees’ son, Gary Thomas “Tom” Keesee Jr.
Commissioner Keesee did not return a message seeking comment on the search warrant.
On April 23, a Knox County grand jury indicted Tom Keesee on 27 counts of sexual abuse involving three minors. On Monday, the grand jury added another five counts after a fourth victim spoke with Licking County detectives.
The charges include 13 first-degree rape felonies, 14 third-degree gross sexual imposition felonies, and five fourth-degree unlawful sexual conduct with a minor allegations.
He remains in the Licking County Justice Center awaiting a July 1 trial date.
Tom Keesee resigned as chief media officer at Faith Life Church in August 2024. When the sexual abuse allegations surfaced in December 2024, documents from the Ohio Attorney General’s Office included references to his role in the church.
Commissioner Keesee and her husband are co-pastors at the New Albany church.
Special Prosecutor Jenny Wells said at an April 21 press conference that the alleged victims attended Faith Life Church.
None of the alleged incidents reported to this point occurred at the church.
Also last month, the Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office confirmed it is investigating abuse allegations involving a second suspect in connection with the Tom Keesee investigation.
Wells said those alleged incidents occurred in Fairfield County.
Embattled commissioner faces calls to resign
Commissioner Keesee has come under fire because of the investigation into her son. Several residents have called on her to step down as commissioner.
However, Ohio law does not allow the Knox County Board of Commissioners or the Knox County Republican Central Committee to remove her from the commissioner position. Voters also cannot call for a referendum.
Commissioner Bill Pursel, chair of the board, previously said, “She is an independently elected official, and she alone can determine her ability to serve under these circumstances.”
Earlier this month, Pursel, Keesee, and Commissioner Barry Lester agreed that replacing Keesee on the Family and Children First Council would take pressure off her. Pursel now represents the commissioners on the council.
Lester said he has encountered questions about the investigation as he attends activities throughout the county.
However, he said the Board of Commissioners’ office staff have endured the brunt of the situation, handling the influx of phone calls, emails, and public records requests.
Keesee assumed the commissioner position on Jan. 1.
