A former Indiana politician has been sentenced to six to 15 years in prison for sexually assaulting his daughter during her 21st birthday trip to Las Vegas. John Jessup, who was a commissioner in Hancock County, Indiana, at the time of the assault, was found guilty of getting his daughter drunk on Long Island iced teas and then taking advantage of her while she was unconscious.
The disturbing incident took place during a birthday trip to Sin City in January of last year, where Jessup told his daughter Rachel Keesling, “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.” Despite the traumatic experience, Keesling bravely spoke out against her father in court and publicly identified herself in order to seek justice.
During the trip, Jessup and his daughter were gambling and drinking at a casino when he encouraged her to drink more despite her feeling unwell. He continued to ply her with alcohol until she was so intoxicated that she needed to be taken back to their hotel room in a wheelchair. After she fell asleep fully clothed in the shower, Jessup sexually assaulted her until she woke up and stopped him.
As part of a plea deal with prosecutors, Jessup was sentenced to prison and is prohibited from having any contact with his daughter or the rest of his family for the rest of his life. He must also register as a sex offender.
Since the assault, Keesling has had to undergo therapy and has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental health issues. She suffers from panic attacks and has had to undergo testing for sexually transmitted diseases.
Despite the allegations against him, Jessup ran for a seat on the Hancock city council while the accusations were swirling. However, he has since resigned from his position.
Deputy District Attorney Morgan Thomas expressed outrage at Jessup’s actions, stating, “Fathers are supposed to protect their children. They’re not supposed to violate them when they are vulnerable.” Jessup’s sentencing serves as a reminder of the importance of holding perpetrators of sexual assault accountable for their actions.
