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Gary Keesee Jr. Waives Jury Trial on 32 Felony Counts in Knox County
Gary Tom Keesee Jr. abruptly waived his right to a jury trial on 32 sexual abuse felony counts in Knox County Common Pleas Court. Judge Richard Wetzel will now decide the unproven allegations in a bench trial beginning Wednesday morning.
In an unexpected courtroom turn, Gary Tom Keesee Jr. waived his right to a jury trial Tuesday, moments after 11 jurors had already been seated in Knox County Common Pleas Court.
The decision abruptly halted jury selection at the Knox Memorial Building in Mount Vernon and shifted the criminal case to a bench trial before Knox Common Pleas Judge Richard Wetzel. Following the announcement, more than 50 prospective jurors were dismissed by the court. Keesee faces 32 criminal charges, and under Ohio law, he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Procedural shift to bench trial
Jury selection had gotten underway Tuesday morning, with court officials seating 11 jurors before recessing for lunch. When proceedings resumed in the afternoon, Keesee formally waived his right to a jury trial. Defense counsel subsequently indicated that proceeding before a judge was the most appropriate decision for the defense.
The waiver significantly alters the legal mechanics of the trial. While a bench trial follows standard trial procedure—including opening statements, witness examinations, cross-examinations, and closing arguments—Judge Wetzel will evaluate the evidence and deliver the verdict rather than a jury. Bench trials also typically proceed more rapidly than jury proceedings; Special Prosecutor Jenny Wells previously said she anticipated a seven to 10-day trial.
Scope of 32 felony charges
Keesee faces 32 counts of alleged sexual abuse involving four victims, including 13 counts of rape. According to court filings, the charges include rape, gross sexual imposition and unlawful sexual conduct with a minor.
Deputies from the Licking County Sheriff's Office arrested Keesee in April 2025. A Knox County grand jury returned an initial 27-count indictment involving three victims before authorities added five additional felony charges—two counts of rape and three counts of gross sexual imposition—following allegations from a fourth victim.
The case is being handled by an outside prosecutor due to local governmental ties. Knox County Prosecutor Chip McConville recused himself due to a conflict of interest, as his office represents the Knox County Board of Commissioners. A special prosecutor from Licking County is handling the case because Drenda Keesee serves as a Knox County commissioner. Jenny Wells was appointed to lead the state's prosecution team.
Church ties and trial schedule
Keesee is the son of Gary Sr. and Drenda Keesee, founders and senior pastors of Faith Life Church, a megachurch in New Albany. Tom Keesee was previously a leader at the church before resigning. Church leaders have stated that the allegations do not involve the church and that the church has cooperated with the investigation, adding that no evidence indicates any alleged abuse occurred on church property.
The trial was originally scheduled to start last November before it was pushed to May of this year and delayed a second time until Tuesday.
Judge Wetzel will hear opening statements when the bench trial starts at 9 a.m. Wednesday.
How we know this
The sources and records behind this story, with the facts they support.
https://www.knoxpages.com/2026/09/29/gary-tom-keesee-jr-waives-right-to-jury-trial/
Supporting evidence (7)
In an unexpected courtroom turn, Gary Tom Keesee Jr. waived his right to a jury trial Tuesday, moments after 11 jurors had already been seated in Knox County Common Pleas Court.
Read supporting passage
Jury selection began Tuesday morning at the Knox Memorial Building. Eleven jurors were seated when the court recessed for lunch. Keesee officially waived his right to a jury trial when court resumed.
When proceedings resumed in the afternoon, Keesee formally waived his right to a jury trial.
Read supporting passage
Jury selection began Tuesday morning at the Knox Memorial Building. Eleven jurors were seated when the court recessed for lunch. Keesee officially waived his right to a jury trial when court resumed.
While a bench trial follows standard trial procedure—including opening statements, witness examinations, cross-examinations, and closing arguments—Judge Wetzel will evaluate the evidence and deliver the verdict rather than a jury.
Read supporting passage
A bench trial proceeds the same as a jury trial with opening statements, examination and cross-examination of witnesses, and closing statements. However, a judge delivers the verdict rather than a jury.
Bench trials also typically proceed more rapidly than jury proceedings; Special Prosecutor Jenny Wells previously said she anticipated a seven to 10-day trial.
Read supporting passage
Special Prosecutor Jenny Wells previously said she anticipated a seven to 10-day trial.
Keesee faces 32 counts of alleged sexual abuse involving four victims, including 13 counts of rape.
Read supporting passage
Keesee faces 32 counts of alleged sexual abuse in Knox County Common Pleas Court. The counts involve four victims and include 13 counts of rape.
Knox County Prosecutor Chip McConville recused himself due to a conflict of interest, as his office represents the Knox County Board of Commissioners.
Read supporting passage
Knox County Prosecutor Chip McConville recused himself, citing a conflict of interest as he represents the Knox County Board of Commissioners.
Judge Wetzel will hear opening statements when the bench trial starts at 9 a.m.
Read supporting passage
Knox Common Pleas Judge Richard Wetzel will now hear the case. The bench trial starts at 9 a.m. Wednesday.
Supporting evidence (6)
Following the announcement, more than 50 prospective jurors were dismissed by the court.
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More than 50 potential jurors were dismissed after the decision was announced in Knox County court.
A special prosecutor from Licking County is handling the case because Drenda Keesee serves as a Knox County commissioner.
Tom Keesee was previously a leader at the church before resigning.
Read supporting passage
He was previously a leader at the church before resigning.
Church leaders have stated that the allegations do not involve the church and that the church has cooperated with the investigation, adding that no evidence indicates any alleged abuse occurred on church property.
Read supporting passage
Faith Life Church leaders have said the allegations do not involve the church and that the church has cooperated with the investigation.
Church leaders have stated that the allegations do not involve the church and that the church has cooperated with the investigation, adding that no evidence indicates any alleged abuse occurred on church property.
Read supporting passage
though officials have said there is no evidence any of the alleged abuse occurred on church property.
The trial was originally scheduled to start last November before it was pushed to May of this year and delayed a second time until Tuesday.
Read supporting passage
The trial was originally scheduled to start last November before it was pushed to May of this year. It was delayed a second time until Tuesday.
Sudden change in Knox County rape trial
Supporting evidence (1)
According to court filings, the charges include rape, gross sexual imposition and unlawful sexual conduct with a minor.
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Gary Tom Keesee Jr. is facing 32 charges including rape, gross sexual imposition and unlawful sexual conduct with a minor.