Knox County Commissioner Drenda Keesee is adamant that she will not step down from her elected position following allegations of sexual misconduct involving her son, Tom Keesee.
Keesee, who was elected as commissioner in fall 2024 and took office in January, is a pastor and co-founder, along with her husband Gary, of Faith Life Church in New Albany. She also hosts Fixing the Money Thing with Gary & Drenda Keesee and Drenda on Guard on the DayStar Television Network, in addition to being the author of several books on faith and finances.
Tom Keesee, who served as Chief Media Officer at Faith Life Church until August 2024, has been accused of sexual misconduct by several women, including his sister Kirsten McKinney who posted about her allegations on social media after others making claims of abuse came forward. Some have alleged the abuse began when they were as young as 10 years old.
Both the Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost and the Knox County Sheriff's Office recused themselves from the investigation due to personal connections with the Keesees. The allegations into Tom Keesee are currently being investigated by the Licking County Sheriff.
Drenda Keesee issued the statement to the Mount Vernon News regarding the allegations:
“The past weeks have been a whirlwind of heartbreak and turmoil for my family and our church community. Allegations posted online have blindsided us, causing deep pain and confusion. My husband and I have poured our lives into raising our children, growing a business, and nurturing a thriving church family—only to see everything we cherish thrown into question. Though it has been painful, I know we must continue forward, trusting that the truth will eventually emerge and that justice will ultimately prevail.”
“There are so many untruths, lies, and false narratives swirling on social media, I have had to exercise patience, trust law enforcement to conduct their investigation, and ultimately cast all of this in God’s hands - daily. I have always been a fighter and champion for truth, so the past few weeks have been difficult for me not to quickly defend myself or our church.”
“In the midst of these challenges, I want to take the opportunity to clarify a few facts regarding the church’s finances. I want to set the record straight: Faith Life Church has always maintained its 501(c)(3) status, along with the legal ability to receive donations. During a previous review initiated by a disgruntled employee a few years ago, we provided four years of financial records to the Ohio Attorney General. No violations were found, although we were given recommendations, many of which we promptly implemented. We strengthened our board by adding three new non-family members, and we later replaced my daughter’s seat with another non-family member to ensure an even higher standard of accountability.”
“Every year, we undergo a full financial audit by an independent CPA firm and employ a second CPA firm for additional oversight. We have also instituted regular reviews of our financial policies and procedures. When setting salaries for executive senior staff, including my husband and me, we rely on an independent, external compensation study. We have consistently chosen to accept far less than these studies suggest, and in several years, we have actually given back more than we were paid. These measures underscore our dedication to responsible stewardship and our determination to honor every gift entrusted to this ministry.”
“In the midst of this, our resolve to keep teaching the principles of the Kingdom of God has only grown stronger. I believe that as a church, we cannot allow these circumstances to derail our purpose. Our congregation still needs leadership, encouragement, and the life-giving message of the Gospel. It would be easy to retreat, to shield ourselves from criticism, or to give in to despair. Yet we remain committed to the call God placed on our lives—to shepherd His people, to stand firm in faith, and to ensure that the mission of our ministry continues unhindered.”“Beyond my role as pastor, I also have a responsibility to serve the people of Knox County as their Commissioner. I will not abandon the trust that voters have placed in me. Our community deserves advocates who stand up for what is right, regardless of personal trials. While these accusations have caused profound hurt, I will not let them overshadow my duty to represent, protect, and uplift the families I serve. My focus remains on championing the needs of our county, supporting those who are hurting, and fostering unity even when the world around us is in chaos.”
“To everyone who has stood by us with prayers, words of hope, or a listening ear—thank you! Your support reminds me daily that God’s faithfulness shines brightest in the darkest moments. I also pray for anyone who feels lost or burdened by this situation, that they would experience healing and clarity. We all wish for this to be over soon, but we will endure, trusting that God will use even this painful chapter for His glory. I believe we will emerge stronger and more compassionate, equipped to bring His love and truth to a world that desperately needs it.”
