We, the undersigned residents and concerned members of the Knox County community, call on Drenda Keesee to resign from her position as Knox County Commissioner, effective immediately.

A Knox County judge recently found Gary “Tom” Keesee Jr. guilty of 27 felony sex offenses, including 11 counts of rape. The case involved abuse of young people over a period of years. Trial testimony and reporting have raised serious, unresolved questions about what Drenda Keesee knew about warning signs or disclosures, when she knew it, and how she responded.

The criminal case did not determine Drenda Keesee’s guilt or make a finding about the full extent of her knowledge. Still, the testimony has created a profound loss of public confidence. Residents deserve leaders whose judgment, transparency, and commitment to protecting vulnerable people are beyond reasonable question.

A county commissioner’s role requires the trust of the people and the ability to serve the whole community. Given the seriousness of this situation and the questions that remain, we believe the responsible course is for Drenda Keesee to step down.

We ask Commissioner Keesee to resign as soon as possible so Knox County can move forward with leadership that has the confidence of its residents.

We support this request because public trust matters, the well-being of vulnerable people matters, and accountability matters.