An Ohio judge has found Gary Thomas "Tom" Keesee Jr. guilty on all 27 remaining felony counts. Knox County Common Pleas Judge Richard Wetzel announced the verdict on Nov. 6. The counts include 11 of rape, 11 of gross sexual imposition and five of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor. Calls are also growing for the leaders of Faith Life Church to step down.
What happened
Judge Wetzel ruled after a bench trial, meaning no jury was involved. In a 29-page written decision, he said prosecutors proved the charges beyond a reasonable doubt. He described three accusers who completed their testimony as credible. He also cited Keesee's admissions to two witnesses as part of the evidence.
One witness testified that Keesee admitted sexually assaulting one of the victims. He said Keesee agreed to tell his wife, sister, parents and the victim's parents. Keesee's siblings testified that their mother told them never to leave him alone with their younger sister behind closed doors. His brother, Tim Keesee, said he told their parents that Tom should have no contact with minors in church youth activities.
Judge Wetzel left Keesee's bond in place and ordered a presentence investigation. Sentencing is set for 9 a.m. on Jan. 8, 2027.
Context
MinistryWatch has followed the case since Keesee was indicted in 2025. A later civil suit also named Faith Life Church in Ohio and its pastors, Gary and Drenda Keesee, as defendants. Tom Keesee is the son of the pastors.
Trial testimony raised new questions about what the pastors knew before the criminal investigation became public, according to MinistryWatch's reporting. Court records also showed that the defense sought church records, witness communications and law-enforcement phone records before trial. The ruling records testimony that bears on those earlier questions about what church leaders and the Keesee family knew.
The verdict also put pressure on Drenda Keesee, a Knox County commissioner. The Knox County Republican Party called on her to resign, according to the Newark Advocate. The party cited testimony about what she knew of her son's conduct. It also said she missed 21 commission meetings in 2026.
What to watch
Gary and Drenda Keesee addressed their congregation after the verdict. Gary said they were "praying for healing and peace for every person involved." He said they could not discuss the case further because "there's still a legal process ahead." He said the couple would remain in church leadership. The sentencing hearing in January and the presentence investigation will be the next key steps.
