Former Ohio church leader held on $2 million bond following 11-count rape indictment

Описание: https://abc6onyourside.com/news/local...
#ohio #crime #faithlifechurch
Former church leader Gary Keesee Jr. had his bond set at $2 million in Knox County on Wednesday, two days after he was indicted on 11 counts of rape.

The 36-year-old, who is the son of Faith Life Church founders Gary and Drenda Keesee, also was indicted Monday on 11 counts of gross sexual imposition and five counts of sexual conduct with a minor.

At his arraignment Wednesday, Keesee pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Court documents reveal that there are three victims in the case, all under the age of 13 when the alleged abuses took place. Keesee himself was between 12 and 14 years old at the time of those first allegations. He has been held in Licking County Jail since his arrest on Monday.

The investigation, which has been ongoing for months, was transferred from Knox County to Licking County to avoid conflicts of interest. Drenda Keesee is a Knox County commissioner and oversees the sheriff's office budget. Even Attorney General Dave Yost recused himself due to personal friendships with the Keesees.

Despite Drenda Keesee’s position in county leadership, Tom Keesee’s attorney is confident there’s no conflict of interest.

“Judge Wetzel is above the fray,” said Sam Shamansky. “He is not influenced by matters of politics. He's beholden to the rule of law, and he'll make sure that it's enforced.”

Prosecutors sought a $5 million bond, saying the Keesee family has properties in Canada and other parts of the country, as well as access to a private plane, so they called him a flight risk.

While Wednesday's hearing happened in Knox County, the case has been investigated by the Licking County Sheriff's Office, and a special prosecutor from Licking County has been appointed to the case.

The case has gotten a lot of attention, both in the news media and on social media, where rumors and allegations have swirled.

Shamansky said he’s confident Keesee will get a fair trial.

“I have no doubt that the citizens of this community can look through all the hoopla, all the BS, all the social media crap that's been spewed, and look at the facts of the case,” Shamansky said.

Supporters of the alleged victims said they were pleased to see Keesee stand before a judge.

“It just feels good that justice is finally coming for these victims,” said Nicole Berger, who has been advocating for victims.

Former church members were on hand and said they were angry with how church leaders handled the allegations.

“Everybody feels deceived,” said Lara Hicks. “I think that there was a love of money more than a love of Jesus, and I feel like they really pushed that agenda, and I think people feel deceived in a lot of ways.”
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