Image courtesy of Licking County Sheriff’s Office
Gary Thomas, “Tom” Keesee Jr., son of Faith Life Church founders Gary and Drenda Keesee, has been indicted on 27 felony counts, including 11 counts of rape, 11 counts of gross sexual imposition, and five counts of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor. The charges stem from alleged incidents that occurred between 2002 and 2011, involving three victims who were previously members of the church.
Pattern and Nature of Keesee’s Abuse
The indictment alleges that Keesee sexually abused the victims between the ages of 6 and 15. One victim reported being assaulted over 50 times at a residence in Mount Vernon, Ohio, between the ages of 5 and 6. Another victim accused Keesee of repeated abuse from ages 8 to 15. A third victim reported an incident at age 10 or 11.
The abuse reportedly occurred outside of the church premises but involved victims associated with Faith Life Church. Investigators have interviewed approximately 40 witnesses across multiple states. The Licking County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that the case remains active and ongoing.
The Failure of Faith Life Church
Faith Life Church and its leadership have been accused of covering up Tom Keesee Jr.’s alleged abuse. Whistleblower Connie McVay reported witnessing inappropriate behavior by Keesee toward a teenage girl and attempted to alert church leadership, but her efforts were ignored. Faith Life Church attempted to silence her by including her and her children’s names in a non-disclosure agreement (NDA). Furthermore, she claimed that the church threatened her husband’s job to prevent her from speaking out. McVay later hired a lawyer who successfully had their names removed from the NDA, allowing McVay to share her story.
Nicole Berger, another former church employee, also witnessed Keesee’s inappropriate behavior and helped another victim report the abuse to authorities. She then severed ties with the church.
The Keesee family’s failure to act and their attempts to silence whistleblowers fueled calls for a full investigation. Learn more from The Roys Report.
Official Response and Ongoing Legal Proceedings
Keesee was arrested on April 18, 2025, and is currently being held in the Licking County Justice Center. He was indicted on April 21, 2025 by a Knox County grand jury. Over 50 incidents of abuse have been detailed by victims. The investigation has been led by the Licking County Sheriff’s Office, which took over the case in February 2025 after other agencies recused themselves due to conflicts of interest. Licking County Sheriff Randy Thorp emphasized that the focus remains on the victims and ensuring justice is served.
Watch the press conference here.
Community Impact and Reactions
A pattern of coercion and manipulation to silence those who tried to report Keesee has emerged. But justice is finally being served. Survivors and advocates are calling for accountability and transparency, urging institutions to prioritize the safety and well-being of vulnerable individuals.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the case serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of vigilance, accountability, and support for survivors in church communities.
What Andreozzi + Foote Can Do
At Andreozzi + Foote, we are dedicated to providing compassionate, expert legal representation to survivors of sexual abuse. We understand the profound impact of abuse and are committed to holding perpetrators accountable, especially those in positions of trust like religious leaders.
Our firm offers:
- Comprehensive Legal Support: We guide survivors through the legal process, ensuring they understand their rights.
- Investigative Resources: We collaborate with experts to gather evidence and hold perpetrators accountable.
- Compassionate Advocacy: Our team provides sensitive, supportive representation to empower survivors.
We are committed to achieving life-changing results for survivors and their families.
If you or someone you know is a victim of Gary Thomas “Tom” Keesee Jr., please contact Licking County Sheriff’s Office.
For confidential legal support, please contact us today to discuss how we can help you seek civil justice.
Call: (866) 311-8640
Email: info@vca.law
