Former Indiana Official Sentenced to 15 Years for Sexually Assaulting Daughter During Vegas Birthday Trip

Jessup, a former Hancock County Commissioner and councilman in Indiana, plied his daughter with alcohol on a drunken night out while telling her 'What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas', before she woke up naked in bed with him molesting her, she said

A disgraced Indiana politician has been sentenced to up to 15 years in prison for sexually assaulting his own daughter during a Las Vegas trip to celebrate her 21st birthday. John Jessup, 50, a former Hancock County Commissioner and councilman, pleaded guilty in November 2024 to incest after getting his daughter blind drunk and molesting her in a hotel room.

Rachel Keesling, the daughter of depraved Republican lawmaker John Jessup, described the horrific moment she woke up in a Las Vegas hotel room to find her father molesting her

The victim, Rachel Keesling (formerly Jessup), bravely identified herself in court and detailed the traumatic events of January 26, 2024. She recounted how her father pressured her to drink excessively at Harrah’s Hotel and Casino, repeatedly telling her, "What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas." Despite her protests, Jessup dragged her to a strip club, where he ordered a private dance while she sat intoxicated at the bar.

John Jessup, 50, is facing up to 15 years in prison after pleading guilty to sexually assaulting his daughter Rachel (pictured together campaigning for him). Rachel said she identified herself as the victim of her father's sex attack after seeing him get re-elected to the Hancock County Council, which she said was 'heartbreaking'

Rachel’s last memory before blacking out was showering with her clothes on. She awoke naked in bed with her father assaulting her. When she moved, he stopped and later apologized—though he later told police he had done "nothing criminal" and dismissed it as a "f*****-up drunk night."

Jessup's daughter broke down in tears at his sentencing as she urged a judge to sentence her father to the maximum sentence, and said her stepfather officially adopted her the day before Jessup's sentencing and she now goes by a different surname

At sentencing, Rachel tearfully described the lasting trauma, including PTSD, severe anxiety, depression, and panic attacks. She also underwent STD testing following the assault. Prosecutors revealed Jessup initially blamed his daughter before finally pleading guilty—days after winning re-election to the Hancock County Council. Indiana law bars convicted felons from office, forcing his immediate resignation.

Deputy District Attorney Morgan Thomas condemned Jessup’s betrayal, stating, "Fathers are supposed to protect their children. They’re not supposed to violate them when they are vulnerable." Jessup, now sober for 451 days, apologized in court for destroying his family but denied blaming alcohol for his actions.

Rachel, seen with her boyfriend Dakota Lanning, bravely spoke out at her father's sentencing this week as she urged a judge to impose the maximum sentence

The case also resurfaced prior misconduct allegations, including sexual harassment claims from Misty Moore, Hancock County’s Homeland Security director. Moore alleged Jessup sent inappropriate texts and made lewd remarks for nearly two years, with officials failing to intervene despite her complaints.

Jessup received a sentence of six to 15 years, with Rachel advocating for the maximum penalty. The judge’s decision ensures the former politician will spend at least six years behind bars for his crimes.

The shocking sex attack unfolded in a hotel room in Harrah's Hotel and Casino on the Vegas strip, after the father and daughter spent the night drinking on the casino floor and a strip club