MOUNT VERNON — Gary ‘Tom’ Keesee Jr. waived his right to a jury trial Tuesday, meaning a judge, not a jury, will decide his fate.
Keesee faces 32 counts of alleged sexual abuse in Knox County Common Pleas Court. The counts involve four victims and include 13 counts of rape.
Jury selection began Tuesday morning at the Knox Memorial Building. Eleven jurors were seated when the court recessed for lunch. Keesee officially waived his right to a jury trial when court resumed.
Knox Common Pleas Judge Richard Wetzel will now hear the case. The bench trial starts at 9 a.m. Wednesday.
A bench trial proceeds the same as a jury trial with opening statements, examination and cross-examination of witnesses, and closing statements. However, a judge delivers the verdict rather than a jury.
Bench trials typically are shorter than jury trials. Special Prosecutor Jenny Wells previously said she anticipated a seven to 10-day trial.
Knox County Prosecutor Chip McConville recused himself, citing a conflict of interest as he represents the Knox County Board of Commissioners. Keesee’s mother, Drenda Keesee, is a Knox County commissioner.
Deputies from the Licking County Sheriff’s Office arrested Keesee April 18, 2025, on two rape charges involving a minor.
A Knox County grand jury returned a 27-count indictment on April 20.
The indictment included 11 counts of first-degree rape involving three victims.
Authorities added five additional charges on May 18, 2025: two rape and three gross sexual imposition counts. According to Capt. Jay Cook of the Licking County Sheriff’s Office, the additional counts stemmed from a fourth victim coming forward.
Keesee Jr. is the son of Faith Life Church pastors Gary Sr. and Drenda Keesee. Tom Keesee was a former official at the New Abany church; however, none of the alleged incidents occurred at the church.
