OKLAHOMA CITY (OK)
WSYX-TV, ABC-6 [Columbus OH]
November 6, 2026
By Erin Simonek
Judge Richard Wetzel delivered a verdict Friday in the sexual assault trial of Gary “Tom” Keesee Jr., following testimony from three women who accused him of sexually assaulting them when they were children.
Keesee Jr. has been found guilty on all counts including, 11 counts of rape, 11 counts of gross sexual imposition, and 5 counts of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor.
- Count 1 rape guilty
- Count 2 rape guilty
- Count 3 rape guilty
- Count 4 rape guilty
- Count 5 rape guilty
- Count 6 gross sexual imposition guilty
- Count 7 gross sexual imposition guilty
- Count 8 gross sexual imposition guilty
- Count 9 gross sexual imposition guilty
- Count 10 gross sexual imposition guilty
- Count 11 gross sexual imposition guilty
- Count 12 rape guilty
- Count 13 rape guilty
- Count 14 rape guilty
- Count 15 rape guilty
- Count 16 rape guilty
- Count 17 rape guilty
- Count 18 gross sexual imposition guilty
- Count 19 gross sexual imposition guilty
- Count 20 gross sexual imposition guilty
- Count 21 gross sexual imposition guilty
- Count 22 gross sexual imposition guilty
- Count 23 unlawful sexual conduct with a minor guilty
- Count 24 unlawful sexual conduct with a minor guilty
- Count 25 unlawful sexual conduct with a minor guilty
- Count 26 unlawful sexual conduct with a minor guilty
- Count 27 unlawful sexual conduct with a minor guilty
During court proceedings, Judge Richard Wetzel reviewed summaries of the victims’ testimony. Two of the women began crying as the judge read through her account of the alleged abuse.
The second victim testified that Keesee sexually assaulted her multiple times at the Keesee family home throughout her childhood, continuing until she was 16 years old.
She described repeated unwanted touching, including incidents involving her breasts and vagina. She told the court she would sometimes pretend to be asleep during the assaults.
As Judge Wetzel reviewed her testimony, Keesee repeatedly shook his head in disagreement.
The third victim testified that Keesee touched her vagina while the two were riding dirt bikes. She said she came forward after seeing reports on social media about the charges against him.
Keesee’s parents, Gary and Drenda Keesee, and his wife, Alexis, were in court to support him.
During the trial, witnesses who attended Faith Life Church testified that Keesee had admitted to sexually assaulting one of the victims. Other testimony included statements that Keesee had struggled with what he described as “sexual lust” since childhood.
His siblings also testified that their parents had instructed them not to leave Keesee alone with minors at the family home or at Faith Life Church.
The defense has argued the allegations were part of a conspiracy among the women to damage the Keesee family name.
None of the alleged assaults took place at Faith Life Church, according to testimony presented during the trial.
Keesee Jr. resigned from his position with the church in 2024. His parents and wife continue to serve in leadership roles at Faith Life Church, which operates campuses in New Albany and Powell.
Prosecutors requested Keesee’s bond be revoked, but Judge Wetzel determined his bond should be upheld, meaning Keesee was not detained Friday.
A separate civil lawsuit involving Keesee Jr., his parents and Faith Life Church is also ongoing.
Keesee Jr. will be sentenced on Friday, January 8 at 9 a.m.