Former Faith Life Church Leader Indicted on 27 Sex Crimes Charges

Gary Keesee Jr., the 36-year-old former leader and son of the founders of Faith Life Church in New Albany, Ohio, has been indicted on 27 felony charges, including 11 counts of rape, 11 counts of gross sexual imposition, and five counts of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor. The alleged crimes involve three victims, all under the age of 13 at the time of the abuse, with incidents reportedly occurring between 2002 and 2011. Investigations indicate Keesee groomed and sexually assaulted several minors, all of whom were church members, but authorities have found no evidence the abuse occurred on church property. The case was transferred from Knox County to Licking County due to potential conflicts of interest, and a special prosecutor was appointed. Keesee has pleaded not guilty to all charges, and his attorney claims the accusations are unfounded, while the church states the incidents are unrelated to church activities and has cooperated with investigators. The investigation is ongoing, with law enforcement interviewing dozens of witnesses and one additional suspect under scrutiny.