A Shattered Life: John Jessup's Prison Sentence
Former Politician Imprisoned for Sexual Misconduct Toward Daughter following Gambling Escapade in Las Vegas
In a heart-wrenching courtroom scene, Clark County District Court Judge Joe Hardy handed down a six-to-fifteen-year prison term to John Jessup, 50, for his guilt in sexually assaulting his own daughter. The charged event occurred during a debauched Vegas getaway.
Jessup's daughter, Rachel Keesling, tearfully told the court, "Ever since my biological father sexually assaulted me on Jan 26 last year, my life feels like it's shattered."
The tragedy unfolded during Rachel's 21st birthday celebration at Harrah's Las Vegas. After a night of gambling and drinking, Jessepressured Rachel to consume more alcohol, disregarding her pleas that she'd had enough.
According to court documents, fueled by alcohol, the ex-Hancock County Commissioner and Councilman took advantage of Rachel while she was unconscious in their hotel room.
A Vegas Night to Remember...For All the Wrong Reasons
Jessup infamously uttered, "What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas," as he continued to order drinks for Rachel. He then escorted her to a strip club, leaving her at the bar while he retreated to a private room.
When Rachel started to vomit, the pair returned to their hotel where, due to his intoxication, Jessup needed a wheelchair to transport her back to their room.
Court records allege that when Rachel regained consciousness, she discovered herself naked and Jessup touching her. Upon moving, he allegedly stopped and later apologized.
Prison Time and Sex Offender Registration
At a Las Vegas Regional Justice Center courthouse, a tearful Rachel voiced her desire for the maximum possible prison sentence. Her plea echoed the statement of Deputy District Attorney Morgan Thomas, who declared, "What Jessup did was criminal, and it was a sexual assault."
Thomas emphasized, "Fathers are supposed to protect their children. They're not supposed to violate them when they are vulnerable."
In addition to his time behind bars, Jessup will be required to register as a sex offender and is permanently barred from contacting his daughter or other family members. These requirements stem from the plea agreement.
The Lasting Impact on Rachel
Jessup's daughter has undergone tests for sexually transmitted diseases, attends ongoing therapy, and has been diagnosed with PTSD, severe anxiety, and depression. The severity of Rachel's trauma prompted her to disclose her identity publicly, aiming to shed light on the gravity of Jessup's actions.
Judge Hardy, in his sentencing, made it clear that this case serves as a reminder of the devastating effects of such actions and the importance of addressing such cases with the utmost seriousness. The plea agreement was structured by the Clark County District Attorney's Office to ensure minimum mandatory imprisonment while addressing the lifetime psychological impact on the victim.
- On the tragic night of Rachel Keesling's 21st birthday celebration at Harrah's Las Vegas, John Jessup, under the influence of alcohol, pressured her to drink more despite her pleas.
- In a private room at a strip club, Jessup, disregarding Rachel's well-being, continued to order drinks for her.
- Later that night, when Rachel was unconscious in the hotel room, Jessup took advantage of her, an act that he infamously justified with the phrase, "What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas."
- As a result of the traumatic incident, Rachel was diagnosed with PTSD, severe anxiety, and depression, and has undergone tests for sexually transmitted diseases and ongoing therapy.
- In the Las Vegas Regional Justice Center courthouse, Rachel expressed her wish for the maximum prison sentence, mirroring the sentiments of Deputy District Attorney Morgan Thomas who called Jessup's actions criminal and a sexual assault.
- As part of the plea agreement, Jessup is required to register as a sex offender, serve time in prison, and is permanently barred from contacting his daughter or other family members, in an effort to mitigate the severe and lasting emotional impact on the victim.
