Disgraced Republican Politician John Jessup Sentenced for Raping Daughter During 21st Birthday Trip

John Jessup, a Republican politician from Indiana who was elected to local office despite disturbing allegations, has been sentenced to six to fifteen years in prison after admitting to sexually assaulting his daughter during her 21st birthday celebration in Las Vegas.

The former Hancock County Commissioner took his daughter, Rachel Keesling, to Harrah’s Las Vegas in January 2024 for what was supposed to be a milestone birthday trip. Instead, prosecutors say Jessup pushed her to drink excessively,  giving her multiple Long Island iced teas despite her protests, and later assaulted her after she passed out in their hotel room.

Court records reveal that Jessup had taken his daughter gambling and drinking throughout the night. After a visit to a strip club, Keesling became so intoxicated she needed to be wheeled back to their hotel. It was there she fell unconscious and woke up to find Jessup assaulting her. He stopped only when she stirred awake.

As part of a plea agreement, Jessup pleaded guilty to attempted sexual assault and will now have to serve at least six years behind bars. He is also barred from contacting his daughter or other family members and must register as a sex offender.

Rachel Keesling, who has since changed her last name and publicly spoken out against her father, described the lasting impact the assault has had on her mental health, including struggles with PTSD and severe anxiety.

Shockingly, Jessup was elected to a Hancock city council seat even as the accusations became public. He has since resigned from that position following his conviction.

Prosecutors emphasized the deep betrayal, noting that parents are meant to protect their children, not harm them when they are most vulnerable.