Editor’s Note: An arraignment is scheduled for June 3 at 1:30 p.m.
MOUNT VERNON — A fourth victim has come forward with allegations of sexual misconduct against former Faith Life Church media officer Gary Thomas “Tom” Keesee Jr.
Keesee was previously indicted on 27 sexual-abuse counts, including 11 counts of first-degree rape.
A Knox County grand jury indicted the 36-year-old Keesee on five additional charges on Monday: two counts of rape and three counts of gross sexual imposition.
Capt. Jay Cook of the Licking County Sheriff’s Office said the additional counts stem from the fourth victim coming forward.
According to court documents, the fourth victim alleges that the defendant touched her vagina over and under her clothing multiple times when she was 6 or 7 years old.
She also alleges the defendant engaged in sexual conduct with her by digital penetration and intercourse prior to her beginning second grade.
All of the alleged incidents occurred in Knox County, including some at the home of Keesee’s parents, Gary Keesee Sr. and Drenda Keesee.
Drenda Keesee is a Knox County commissioner. She and her husband lead the 3,000-member Faith Life Church in New Albany.
Tom Keesee resigned from his position as chief media officer in August 2024.
Counts 28 and 29 are first-degree rape felonies that carry a mandatory prison term of 10 years to life and a maximum fine of $20,000.
Counts 30 through 32, gross sexual imposition, are third-degree felonies. They carry a maximum prison term of five years and a maximum fine of $10,000.
Court documents state that if convicted, Keesee will be ordered to register as a Tier III Sex Offender.
Should the defendant be sent to prison and released from prison on the indictment, there would be a mandatory term of five years post-release control.
Keesee remains in Licking County Justice Center on sexual misconduct charges
Licking County sheriff’s detectives arrested Keesee on April 18. Knox County Common Pleas Judge Richard Wetzel set a $2 million bail.
Keesee has not posted bail and remains in the Licking County Justice Center. Wetzel set a trial date of July 1.
Knox County Sheriff Dan Weckesser previously said the county is paying Licking County $100 a day to house Keesee. It costs around $117 a day to house a detainee in the Knox County Jail.
Weckesser told Knox Pages this morning that he and Licking County Sheriff Randy Thorp have not yet discussed a longer-term rate. However, he expects to finalize an agreement soon.
Knox County is responsible for any transportation and medical costs for Keesee in addition to housing.
