Ohio’s Licking County Sheriff’s Office is investigating child sexual abuse allegations against a “former leader” at Gary and Drenda Keesee’s megachurch in New Albany, following an online petition launched two weeks ago.

The petition called for an investigation of sex abuse allegations against the Keesees’ son, Tom Keesee, who formerly served as chief media officer at his parents’ Faith Life Church—a megachurch with more than 3,000 members. The Keesees also have a financial show on embattled Daystar TV called, “Fixing the Money Thing.” 

According to a press release by the Licking County Sheriff’s Office, the sheriff’s office in adjacent Knox County officially requested that the Licking County sheriff take over a sexual abuse investigation on Feb. 7.

The Licking County Sheriff’s Office “accepted the request and assigned Detectives to investigate,” the release stated.

One alleged victim reported to police that she was assaulted more than 100 times in a home in Knox County before she was 15, according to ABC6.  The Keesees’ church, Faith Life, is located in Licking County.

The online petition expressed a concern that law enforcement, including Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost, wouldn’t investigate because Drenda Keesee is a Knox County commissioner.

“These victims deserve justice,” the petition stated. “Dave Yost is allegedly blocking the investigation due to his relationship with Knox County Commissioner Drenda Keesee. ASSIGN THE CASE, DAVE.”

In response to the petition, Yost explained that Knox County asked his office to get involved due to Knox County’s connection to the “suspect’s mother,” who is a county commissioner. But then Yost, who also personally knows the “suspect’s parents” recused himself.

Yost’s press secretary, Steve Irwin, previously told The Roys Report (TRR) that Yost’s office worked with Knox County to find another law enforcement entity to investigate.

Former Faith Life Church member, Nicole Berger, told TRR the Licking County investigation is “a good step forward.” In December, Berger helped an alleged victim report alleged abuse to Knox County.

Former Faith Life contractor Connie McVay previously told TRR that she witnessed inappropriate behavior by Tom Keesee toward a teenage girl from Faith Life and tried to report it to the church.

Last Friday, protesters gathered outside Faith Life Church during a service to call for justice, ABC6 reported.

Protesters gathered again Tuesday, while the church youth group met, to warn parents, Berger told TRR.

“We don’t feel it is safe for parents to bring their kids any more with the negligence of the youth group,” Berger said.

The church’s attorney released a statement to TRR, stating that the church is cooperating with law enforcement.

“Faith Life Church is taking these allegations of misconduct seriously, and our pastors and staff comply with all mandatory abuse reporting requirements
under Ohio law,” the attorney stated. “Our church and pastors are fully committed to truth and transparency.” 

The church previously stated to ABC6 its current pastors aren’t facing any allegations. The church also stated it remains committed to safety.

“We want to express our deepest compassion for those who have come forward and for anyone who has experienced harm,” the church stated. “As we navigate this difficult time, we remain steadfast in our commitment to ensuring that Faith Life Church continues to be a place of safety, healing, and worship for all.”

The Licking County Sheriff’s Office encouraged anyone with “relevant information concerning this case” to contact their office, “even if you have had prior contact with other Law Enforcement concerning this matter.”

This story has been updated to include a statement received from the church’s attorney.

Rebecca Hopkins is a journalist based in Colorado.