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Judge takes 27 felony counts under advisement as Gary Keesee Jr. bench trial concludes
Read the full articleClosing arguments concluded Tuesday in Knox County Common Pleas Court, with Judge Richard Wetzel taking 27 felony counts against Gary Keesee Jr. under advisement. A bench verdict is scheduled for Friday, Nov. 6.
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Supporting evidence (6)
Judge Wetzel will determine the verdict from the bench, with a formal decision scheduled for Nov. 6 at 9 a.m.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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."
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It leads to one conclusion and that is that the evidence is not to be believed.
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.
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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.
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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 (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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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The defense rested its case at 12:10 p.m.