EDITOR’S NOTE: This story may be updated if more details become available.
NEWARK — The adult son of the two leaders of Faith Life Church was arrested Friday on two rape charges involving a minor.
Gary Thomas Keesee Jr., 36, was arrested by the Licking County Sheriff’s Office.
According to a press release from the sheriff’s office, the arrest warrant was for two counts of rape, both first-degree felonies.
The release said detectives arrested Keesee without incident at his residence, 9340 Miller Road, Johnstown. Keesee is a former official at Faith Life Church.
The church has been the focus of an investigation involving sex crime allegations. Knox County Commissioner Drenda Keesee and her husband, Gary, lead the 3,000-member congregation, based in New Albany.
Keesee Jr. will be held in the Licking County Justice Center at the request of the Knox County Sheriff’s Office.
A Knox County grand jury will hear Keesee’s case on Monday.
The KCSO became involved in December 2024 when a Columbus detective contacted the KCSO to report an incident of rape/sex abuse involving a juvenile.
The incidents were reported to have taken place in Mount Liberty and a residence on Sharp Road, both in Knox County.
The KCSO forwarded the case to the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, citing a conflict of interest because Keesee is the son of Knox County Commissioner Drenda Keesee.
The Knox County Board of Commissioners oversees the sheriff’s office budget.
However, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost recused BCI from investigating because Yost had entertained Drenda Keesee and her husband, Gary Sr., in his home.
In February, the KCSO requested the Licking County Sheriff’s Office investigate the allegations.
As a result of the investigation, Licking County detectives secured and served an arrest warrant for Keesee on Friday.
The Licking County Sheriff’s Office and the Licking County Prosecutor’s Office will hold a joint press conference at the Licking County Sheriff’s Office after Monday’s grand jury session.