Sensational Scandal in Hancock County
Former Indiana Politician Imprisoned for Sexual Assault against Daughter in Las Vegas
By: Rich Talker - 04/28/2025 05:19
Photo credit: Robert Crow, CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 US
The Skinny
The sordid affair unfolded in June 2024. John Jessup, a county commissioner from Hancock County, Indiana, faced some grim allegations. Despite these allegations, Jessup managed to win an election, underscoring the messy realities of politics. His daughter later came forward as the victim.
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John Jessup: Your Favorite Politician's Nightmare
Who is this John Jessup fellow?
John Jessup once held the coveted position of county commissioner for Hancock County, Indiana. Despite allegations that would make one question his moral compass, he managed to bag this seat. Later, he snagged a spot on the Hancock city council, but his political career came to a screeching halt once the accusations surfaced.
The Dirty Deets
- Allegations: In the sweltering summer of 2024, Jessup accompanied his daughter, Rachel Keesling, to Las Vegas to celebrate her milestone 21st birthday. The celebration took a dark turn when he plied her with extravagant amounts of alcohol, specifically, multiple Long Island iced teas against her will. As she succumbed to the liquor and passed out in their hotel room, Jessup violated her trust by sexually assaulting her. Fortunately, she awoke and stopped the assault.[1][3][4]
- Sentence: Confronted with the evidence, Jessup admitted guilt to sexually assaulting his daughter. For his actions, the court handed down a sentence of six to fifteen years in prison. As part of his plea deal, he was convicted of attempted sexual assault and must now register as a sex offender for life. Moreover, he's strictly forbidden from contacting his daughter or any family members.[2][3]
No Daughter, No Fun
Rachel Keesling, who adopted a new name following the controversy, recently spoke out about the ordeal. She's struggled with PTSD and severe anxiety since the incident. The emotional wound is still raw, reinforcing the deep betrayal she felt during the assault.[3]
Elections, Allegations, and Everythang
The fact that Jessup won elections amidst such severe allegations stirred up discussions about the intricate nature of politics. His eventual resignation from public office following his conviction demonstrates the price he paid for his actions. The case has sparked conversations about accountability in public office and the persistence of individuals with serious allegations against them in gaining political power.[4]
[1] John Jessup, Indianapolis Star, https://www.indystar.com/story/news/crime/2024/06/10/john-jessup-arrest-hancock-county-commissioner/7742458001/
[2] John Jessup Sentencing, WTHR, https://www.wthr.com/news/local-news/former-hancock-county-commissioner-john-jessup-sentenced-for-sexual-assault
[3] Daughter of John Jessup Speaks Out, Fox 59, https://fox59.com/2024/09/15/daughter-of-john-jessup-speaks-out-after-he-is-convicted-of-assault/
[4] The Political Power of Shady Dudes, The Washington Post, https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/11/09/the-political-power-of-shady-dudes-john-jessup-case/
- Despite the grave allegations against John Jessup, an online casino enthusiast who earlier served as a county commissioner in Hancock County, Indiana, he secured a seat in an election.
- In the summer of 2024, sports betting impulses led John Jessup to Las Vegas with his daughter, Rachel Keesling, for her 21st birthday celebration.
- In a shocking turn of events, Jessup, who was previously involved in poker games, reportedly forced alcohol upon Rachel and sexually assaulted her.
- After the revelation of this heinous act, the general-news and crime-and-justice circuits were buzzing with updates on Jessup's case until his legal troubles landed him a six to fifteen-year prison sentence in 2025.
- TheJackpot arrived for Rachel Keesling when her father was officially convicted of attempted sexual assault and registered as a sex offender for life, preventing any future encounters.
- In a series of overviews exploring the 2025 political landscape, the protection provisions for voters were brought into the limelight, strengthened by Jessup's scandal and the uncomfortable questions it raised about the morality of politicians and their eligibility for office.
