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The criminal case against former Faith Life Church leader Gary Thomas “Tom” Keesee Jr. has been continued again, and there is currently no new trial date.
Keesee had been scheduled to go to trial in Knox County Common Pleas Court on September 29th on more than 30 criminal charges, but his attorney requested another continuance. The court granted the request, pushing the trial back for a second time.
Keesee faces 32 counts involving four alleged victims, including charges of rape, gross sexual imposition and unlawful sexual conduct with a minor. A Knox County grand jury originally indicted him on 27 counts in April 2025, with five additional counts added the following month.
The case has already been delayed several times. During a May evidentiary hearing, defense attorney Samuel Shamansky questioned the handling of grand jury information and communications between investigators and alleged victims. Judge Richard Wetzel did not rule on those issues during the hearing and subsequently set the September 29 trial date.
The latest continuance means no new trial date has been established at this time. Keesee has pleaded not guilty, and the charges remain allegations unless proven in court.
