Former Commissioner Sentenced for Sexual Assault of Daughter

Las Vegas, NV — John Jessup, a former Hancock County Commissioner in Indiana, was sentenced to six to 15 years in prison on April 24, 2025, after pleading guilty to attempted sexual assault of his daughter, Rachel Keesling. The assault occurred during a trip to Las Vegas in January 2024, which was meant to celebrate Keesling’s 21st birthday.

In court, Judge Joe Hardy emphasized the seriousness of Jessup’s actions and mandated that Jessup register as a sex offender upon his release. Jessup, 50, had previously been out on a $100,000 surety bond and was awaiting sentencing while under home detention.

Keesling, in a powerful statement before the court, shared the emotional toll that her father’s actions have had on her life. “Since my biological father sexually assaulted me on January 26 last year, my life feels like it’s shattered,” she said, revealing the lasting trauma that followed the incident. She has since adopted her stepfather’s surname, Keesling, and is seeking therapy to address her ongoing struggles with mental health.

During the ordeal, Keesling recounted how Jessup insisted she keep drinking on their trip, providing her with multiple cocktails despite her expressing discomfort. After spending time at a strip club, she was returned to their hotel in a wheelchair, where she later woke up to find her father assaulting her.

Jessup initially faced more serious charges, but an agreement with the Clark County District Attorney’s Office reduced the charge to attempted sexual assault. Deputy District Attorney Morgan Thomas criticized Jessup for failing to take full responsibility, arguing, “Fathers are supposed to protect their children. They’re not supposed to violate them when they are vulnerable.”

In his remarks, Jessup admitted to feeling remorse and noted he had sought sobriety since the incident. “I’m not the same man I was,” he said during sentencing, acknowledging the profound personal and familial losses resulting from his actions.

The case highlights issues of accountability within familial relationships and the complexities of victimization, as Keesling sought to reclaim her narrative amid her father’s legal battles.