Faith Life Church Senior Pastor Gary Keesee issued a public letter to the church congregation on Friday, April 18 addressing the arrest of his son, Gary “Tom” Thomas Keesee Jr., for alleged child sexual abuse.
Tom is the son of Gary Keesee and Knox County Commissioner Drenda Keesee.
“Drenda and I are deeply heartbroken by the news of a criminal complaint filed against our son, Tom Keesee,” Gary Keesee wrote. “We recognize the pain and confusion that these circumstances have caused our family, our church, and our entire community.”
The church sent the letter the same day Tom Keesee was arrested by the Licking County Sheriff’s Office at his Johnstown home. He is currently being held in the Licking County Jail.
Keesee reiterated the church’s stance against abuse.
“Church decries all forms of sexual abuse and stands with survivors of such abuse in faith and prayer,” Gary Keesee wrote.
On Monday, April 21, a Knox County grand jury indicted Tom Keesee on 11 counts of rape, 11 counts of gross sexual imposition, and five counts of unlawful sexual conduct. The case involves three victims who were allegedly between the ages of six and 15 when the abuse occurred between 2002 and 2011.
Prior to the indictment one of Tom Keesee’s sisters took to social media to accuse of him of sexual assault when she was a child. It is unclear if she is one of the three victims pressing charges.
“The complaint alleges incidents that occurred up to two decades ago that in no way involved Faith Life Church,” Gary Keesee wrote. “The allegations have been investigated by the Licking County Sheriff’s Office, and Faith Life Church has cooperated fully with investigators.”
Prosecutors confirmed the alleged incidents did not take place on church grounds or during church activities.
Gary Keesee emphasized that Faith Life Church remains steadfast in its mission.
“In the midst of this painful storm, our purpose at Faith Life Church does not waver,” Gary Keesee wrote. “Now, perhaps more than ever, we remain committed to proclaiming the Gospel and sharing the hope and power of God's Kingdom with you, our community, and the world.”
