Ohio Megachurch Leader Found Guilty of 27 Child Sexual Abuse Offences
A former senior official of an Ohio megachurch has been convicted of 27 child sexual abuse offences following a court trial involving allegations of abuse against children spanning more than a decade.
Gary “Tom” Keesee Jr., 37, former chief media officer of Faith Life Church in New Albany, Ohio, was found guilty on 6 November 2026 by Knox County Common Pleas Court Judge Richard Wetzel.
According to The Roys Report, the convictions involve multiple child sexual abuse offences, including 11 counts of gross sexual imposition and five counts of unlawful contact with a child.
Three women testified that Keesee sexually abused them during their childhood. The offences occurred between 2001 and 2012, when the affected persons were between five and 16 years old.
During the proceedings, the women explained that they delayed reporting their experiences because they struggled to understand the abuse and feared the consequences of speaking out.
Judge Wetzel described their testimonies as credible, explaining that children who experience traumatic abuse may struggle to recall precise dates and circumstances.
The proceedings also raised questions about whether adults who allegedly knew or suspected the abuse failed to intervene.
Keesee’s father, Gary Keesee, defended him during the trial, while other family members testified against him.
Special prosecutor Jenny Wells commended the affected persons for their courage in coming forward and participating in the judicial process.
The conviction has renewed concerns about child safeguarding within religious institutions, particularly the responsibility of adults to identify, report and respond appropriately to suspected child sexual abuse.
The case also highlights the importance of protecting children who disclose abuse and ensuring that institutional relationships do not prevent allegations from receiving appropriate investigation.
Keesee is scheduled to be sentenced on 8 January 2027.
