The sheriff’s office says more charges could be filed.
LICKING COUNTY, Ohio — The son of two New Albany megachurch leaders was arrested and charged Friday following a months-long sexual abuse investigation, according to the Licking County Sheriff’s Office.
The sheriff’s office said 36-year-old Gary Thomas Keesee Jr. was arrested at his home and is charged with two counts of rape.
According to Mount Vernon Municipal Court records, the victim who made the initial report said the abuse happened when they were 5 and 6 years old and took place on over 50 occasions.
During the investigation, two other victims came forward, accusing Keesee Jr. of sexual abuse, court documents say.
He will be held in the Licking County Justice Center. His case is scheduled to be heard by a grand jury on Monday, where more charges could be filed.
Keesee Jr. is the son of Gary and Drenda Keesee, leaders of Faith Life Church. The church has campuses in New Albany and Powell and has more than 3,000 members.
On Christmas Eve, a report of sexual abuse involving a juvenile was filed with the Knox County Sheriff’s Office. The report says the alleged abuse took place at two locations within the county.
Knox County forwarded the sexual abuse case to the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation due to a conflict of interest. Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost, who leads BCI, also determined that it had a conflict of interest and could not investigate the allegations of sexual abuse.
From there, the investigation was passed on to Licking County.
Asiatico Law, PLLC, a law firm representing Faith Life Church, sent a statement to 10TV in February on behalf of the church. The church said it is “aware of the serious allegations concerning past conduct involving a member of our church leaders’ family.”
The church said it plans to cooperate fully with authorities and is seeking guidance from legal counsel.