This story contains graphic descriptions of violence that may be offensive to some. Discretion is advised
The son of prominent Ohio megachurch pastors has been found guilty of 27 felony counts related to the sexual abuse of three girls, including 11 counts of rape of a child under 13, 11 counts of gross sexual imposition, and 5 counts of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor.
Tom Keesee is the 36-year-old son of Gary and Drenda Keesee, the founders and senior pastors of Faith Life Church in New Albany, Ohio. Keesee was employed at the 3,000-member megachurch as their chief media officer when police arrested him after multiple allegations of sexual abuse were brought against him, including by his own sister.
During the trial, it was revealed that Keesee had at least three victims, all of whom were members of the church and were between the ages of 5 and 15 when the molestations began. In some cases, the sexual abuse lasted for more than five years.
Keesee remained unemotional as the verdict was read and is set to be sentenced on January 8, where he faces life without the possibility of parole. Notably, he remains free on bond until then but must wear an ankle bracelet and has no driver’s license or passport.
Along with the three victims, Tom has also been accused of sexually assaulting his ex-wife’s sister, as well as engaging in a sexual relationship with his current wife while she was still a minor.
Prior to the indictment, and after their daughter came forward with allegations against her brother, pastors Gary and Drenda Keesee defended their son and argued that there was “another side of the story.”
They told church members during one of their services: “All hell is breaking loose out there … but truth will prevail. There’s another side. And the truth will come out.”
During the trial, multiple juvenile victims testified under oath that Drenda Keesee was aware of her son’s sexual abuses but failed to notify authorities. Furthermore, Tom’s older brother, Tim, also testified that their parents knew of the abuse years before it came to light.
