Disgraced Indiana Politician Sentenced for Sexual Assault on Daughter During Vegas Birthday Trip

A former Indiana politician was sentenced to prison on Thursday for a shocking crime that occurred during his daughter's 21st birthday celebration in Las Vegas. John Jessup, 50, was found guilty of sexually assaulting his daughter, Rachel Keesling, after getting her heavily intoxicated with Long Island iced teas.

The incident took place in January of last year, when Jessup, who was serving as the commissioner of Hancock County, took his daughter to Sin City for what was supposed to be a fun-filled birthday trip. Instead, it turned into a nightmare. According to reports, Jessup encouraged Keesling to drink excessively, even after she expressed feeling unwell. He reportedly told her, “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas,” as he pushed her to keep drinking.

Jessup was sentenced to a prison term ranging from six to fifteen years for the assault. Initially charged with sexual assault, he accepted a plea deal that reduced the charge to attempted sexual assault. This decision came after Keesling bravely identified herself publicly following her father's election to the council, despite the serious allegations against him.

In a heart-wrenching statement delivered before the court, Keesling described the profound impact the assault had on her life. “Since my biological father sexually assaulted me on January 26 last year, my life feels like it’s shattered,” she stated, highlighting the emotional turmoil she has endured since the incident.

Following the assault, Keesling, who had been adopted by her stepfather and changed her last name from Jessup to Keesling just a day before the hearing, expressed relief that the ordeal was finally coming to an end. “I’m processing a lot right now in all aspects,” she said, reflecting on her journey toward healing.

The birthday trip, which was meant to be a celebration, quickly spiraled out of control. Prosecutors revealed that Jessup and Keesling began gambling and drinking at the casino. Despite her discomfort, Jessup insisted she keep up with him, ultimately leading to her being incapacitated by alcohol. After consuming three Long Island iced teas, Keesling was so intoxicated that she required a wheelchair to return to their hotel room.

Once back at the hotel, Keesling took a shower fully clothed and eventually fell asleep. She awoke to find her father assaulting her, only for him to stop when she began to move. This traumatic experience has left Keesling with lasting psychological scars, including a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder and panic attacks. She has also undergone testing for sexually transmitted diseases as a precaution.

As part of the plea agreement, Jessup is required to serve a minimum of six years in prison and is prohibited from having any contact with Keesling or the rest of his family for life. Additionally, he must register as a sex offender. In court, Jessup claimed, “I’m not the same man I was,” but his actions have irrevocably altered the lives of those around him.

At the time of the assault, Jessup was not only a county commissioner but also ran for a seat on the Hancock city council, despite the allegations against him. Remarkably, he was elected to the position, although he has since resigned following the conviction. Deputy District Attorney Morgan Thomas emphasized the betrayal inherent in Jessup's actions, stating, “Fathers are supposed to protect their children. They’re not supposed to violate them when they are vulnerable.”