Judge takes 27 felony charges against Gary Keesee Jr. under advisement, schedules Nov. 6 verdict
Closing arguments conclude in Knox County bench trial after five counts involving a fourth accuser were dismissed under Rule 29.
Judge Richard Wetzel took 27 felony sex offense charges against Gary Tom Keesee Jr. under advisement on Tuesday, Oct. 6, following the conclusion of closing arguments in Knox County Common Pleas Court. Judge Wetzel will determine the verdict from the bench, with a formal decision scheduled for Nov. 6 at 9 a.m.
Keesee, a former official at Faith Life Church in New Albany, faces 27 felony charges connected to three accusers, including 11 counts of rape, 11 counts of gross sexual imposition, and five counts of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor. Under Ohio law, Keesee is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt on each count.
Previously, Pique reported that Gary Keesee Jr. waives jury trial in Knox County sexual abuse case on Sept. 29, when Keesee relinquished his right to a jury after 11 jurors had been seated, transferring the trial to Judge Wetzel.
Rule 29 dismissal narrows indictment
The bench trial initially encompassed 32 counts and four accusers, but the court dismissed five charges on Monday, Oct. 5. Defense attorney Samuel Shamansky cited Ohio Criminal Rule 29 to request the dismissal of counts 28 through 32, which included two first-degree rape charges and three third-degree felony gross sexual imposition charges.
The dismissed counts involved a fourth accuser, who testified on Oct. 2 regarding alleged abuse at Keesee's Sharp Road residence in Knox County. Judge Wetzel dismissed the counts after the witness experienced emotional distress on the stand and was unable to return to complete cross-examination.
Following the dismissal, the prosecution rested its case. Shamansky called only one witness, Gary Thomas Keesee Sr., the defendant's father and senior pastor of Faith Life Church. Keesee Sr. testified regarding a December 2024 church meeting convened after allegations appeared online, stating that there was nothing at that time to suggest sexual abuse. Under cross-examination, Keesee Sr. acknowledged his son had mentioned accusations from an accuser while asserting nothing inappropriate occurred. The defense rested its case on Monday at 12:10 p.m. without the defendant testifying.
Conflicting theories in closing arguments
During closing arguments on Tuesday, Special Prosecutor Jenny Wells of the Licking County Prosecutor's Office asked Judge Wetzel to convict Keesee on all remaining 27 charges, pointing to testimony from 11 witnesses over four days of proceedings.
Wells argued that the three accusers endured years of silence under pressure from church culture, asserting that the church taught them to cover the man and not expose his sins. She maintained that the state's evidence revealed no signs of coaching or coordination among the accusers, arguing that the allegations proved credible. Wells told the court: "It took tremendous strength and courage for these ladies to come forward, tell their truth, and let their voice be heard. They talked about private, uncomfortable experiences that they had held close with such secrecy, shame, and guilt for many years. This case comes down to whether or not you believe these victims."
In his closing argument, Shamansky asked the court to find Keesee not guilty on all counts, arguing that the state failed to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Shamansky challenged the credibility of the accusations, pointing to unproduced evidence discussed during testimony, including an unprovided family note. Shamansky told the judge: "I ask you to consider one of the victims stories is impossible. Where is the family note that was talked about that remains to be seen? It leads to one conclusion and that is that the evidence is not to be believed." Shamansky also argued that prosecutors failed to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the accusers suffered physical harm.
Outside prosecution and church ties
The trial was handled by an outside prosecution team because 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.
Faith Life Church, a non-denominational congregation serving New Albany and Powell, has stated that it cooperated with the investigation and that none of the alleged abuse occurred on church property. Keesee stepped down from church leadership in 2024.
With closing arguments concluded, Judge Wetzel took the 27 felony charges under advisement and will return to Knox County Common Pleas Court to announce the verdict on Nov. 6.
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Judge Richard Wetzel took 27 felony sex offense charges against Gary Tom Keesee Jr. under advisement on Tuesday, Oct. 6, following the conclusion of closing arguments in Knox County Common Pleas Court. Judge Wetzel will determine the verdict from the bench, with a formal decision scheduled for Nov. 6 at 9 a.m.
Keesee, a former official at Faith Life Church in New Albany, faces 27 felony charges connected to three accusers, including 11 counts of rape, 11 counts of gross sexual imposition, and five counts of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor. Under Ohio law, Keesee is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt on each count.
Previously, Pique reported that Gary Keesee Jr. waives jury trial in Knox County sexual abuse case on Sept. 29, when Keesee relinquished his right to a jury after 11 jurors had been seated, transferring the trial to Judge Wetzel.
Rule 29 dismissal narrows indictment
The bench trial initially encompassed 32 counts and four accusers, but the court dismissed five charges on Monday, Oct. 5. Defense attorney Samuel Shamansky cited Ohio Criminal Rule 29 to request the dismissal of counts 28 through 32, which included two first-degree rape charges and three third-degree felony gross sexual imposition charges.
The dismissed counts involved a fourth accuser, who testified on Oct. 2 regarding alleged abuse at Keesee's Sharp Road residence in Knox County. Judge Wetzel dismissed the counts after the witness experienced emotional distress on the stand and was unable to return to complete cross-examination.
Following the dismissal, the prosecution rested its case. Shamansky called only one witness, Gary Thomas Keesee Sr., the defendant's father and senior pastor of Faith Life Church. Keesee Sr. testified regarding a December 2024 church meeting convened after allegations appeared online, stating that there was nothing at that time to suggest sexual abuse. Under cross-examination, Keesee Sr. acknowledged his son had mentioned accusations from an accuser while asserting nothing inappropriate occurred. The defense rested its case on Monday at 12:10 p.m. without the defendant testifying.
Conflicting theories in closing arguments
During closing arguments on Tuesday, Special Prosecutor Jenny Wells of the Licking County Prosecutor's Office asked Judge Wetzel to convict Keesee on all remaining 27 charges, pointing to testimony from 11 witnesses over four days of proceedings.
Wells argued that the three accusers endured years of silence under pressure from church culture, asserting that the church taught them to cover the man and not expose his sins. She maintained that the state's evidence revealed no signs of coaching or coordination among the accusers, arguing that the allegations proved credible. Wells told the court: "It took tremendous strength and courage for these ladies to come forward, tell their truth, and let their voice be heard. They talked about private, uncomfortable experiences that they had held close with such secrecy, shame, and guilt for many years. This case comes down to whether or not you believe these victims."
In his closing argument, Shamansky asked the court to find Keesee not guilty on all counts, arguing that the state failed to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Shamansky challenged the credibility of the accusations, pointing to unproduced evidence discussed during testimony, including an unprovided family note. Shamansky told the judge: "I ask you to consider one of the victims stories is impossible. Where is the family note that was talked about that remains to be seen? It leads to one conclusion and that is that the evidence is not to be believed." Shamansky also argued that prosecutors failed to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the accusers suffered physical harm.
Outside prosecution and church ties
The trial was handled by an outside prosecution team because 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.
Faith Life Church, a non-denominational congregation serving New Albany and Powell, has stated that it cooperated with the investigation and that none of the alleged abuse occurred on church property. Keesee stepped down from church leadership in 2024.
With closing arguments concluded, Judge Wetzel took the 27 felony charges under advisement and will return to Knox County Common Pleas Court to announce the verdict on Nov. 6.
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Supporting evidence (7)
Judge Wetzel will determine the verdict from the bench, with a formal decision scheduled for Nov. 6 at 9 a.m.
Read supporting passage
Judge Richard Wetzel will determine the fate of accused rapist Gary Tom Keesee Jr., after closing arguments concluded Tuesday in Knox County Court.
Judge Wetzel will determine the verdict from the bench, with a formal decision scheduled for Nov. 6 at 9 a.m.
Read supporting passage
The verdict for Keesee Jr. is scheduled for November 6 at 9 am.
Keesee, a former official at Faith Life Church in New Albany, faces 27 felony charges connected to three accusers, including 11 counts of rape, 11 counts of gross sexual imposition, and five counts of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor.
Read supporting passage
The former Faith Life Church leader is now facing 27 charges connected to three accusers, including 11 counts of rape, 11 counts of gross sexual imposition, and 5 counts of unlawful sexual conduct with minors.
Wells argued that the three accusers endured years of silence under pressure from church culture, asserting that the church taught them to cover the man and not expose his sins.
Read supporting passage
The church taught them to cover the man and not expose his sins
Wells told the court: "It took tremendous strength and courage for these ladies to come forward, tell their truth, and let their voice be heard.
Read supporting passage
It took tremendous strength and courage for these ladies to come forward, tell their truth, and let their voice be heard.
It leads to one conclusion and that is that the evidence is not to be believed."
Read supporting passage
It leads to one conclusion and that is that the evidence is not to be believed.
Retained video evidence
Gary Keesee Jr. waives jury trial in Knox County sexual abuse case
Supporting evidence (2)
Previously, Pique reported that Gary Keesee Jr. waives jury trial in Knox County sexual abuse case on Sept. 29, when Keesee relinquished his right to a jury after 11 jurors had been seated, transferring the trial to Judge Wetzel.
Read supporting passage
Gary Keesee Jr. waives jury trial in Knox County sexual abuse case
The trial was handled by an outside prosecution team because 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 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.
Supporting evidence (6)
Defense attorney Samuel Shamansky cited Ohio Criminal Rule 29 to request the dismissal of counts 28 through 32, which included two first-degree rape charges and three third-degree felony gross sexual imposition charges.
Read supporting passage
Defense attorney Samuel Shamansky cited Rule 29 in asking Knox County Common Pleas Judge Richard Wetzel to dismiss counts 28 through 32 on Monday.
Judge Wetzel dismissed the counts after the witness experienced emotional distress on the stand and was unable to return to complete cross-examination.
Read supporting passage
Wetzel dismissed the counts based on her inability to return for cross-examination.
Shamansky called only one witness, Gary Thomas Keesee Sr., the defendant's father and senior pastor of Faith Life Church.
Read supporting passage
The prosecution rested its case shortly before 11 a.m. Shamansky called only one witness, Gary Thomas Keesee Sr.
Keesee Sr. testified regarding a December 2024 church meeting convened after allegations appeared online, stating that there was nothing at that time to suggest sexual abuse.
Read supporting passage
Keesee Sr. testified there was nothing at that time to suggest sexual abuse.
The defense rested its case on Monday at 12:10 p.m. without the defendant testifying.
Read supporting passage
The defense rested its case at 12:10 p.m.
Retained video evidence
Gary Keesee Jr. waives jury trial in Knox County sexual abuse case
Supporting evidence (2)
Previously, Pique reported that Gary Keesee Jr. waives jury trial in Knox County sexual abuse case on Sept. 29, when Keesee relinquished his right to a jury after 11 jurors had been seated, transferring the trial to Judge Wetzel.
Read supporting passage
Gary Keesee Jr. waives jury trial in Knox County sexual abuse case
The trial was handled by an outside prosecution team because 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 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.
Supporting evidence (1)
Retained video evidence