John Jessup, a county commissioner from Hancock County, Indiana, recently admitted to charges of sexual assault in Nevada. This confession came shortly after he was elected to a new role. The Greenfield Daily Reporter reported that Jessup was initially accused of the crime in Las Vegas in January. Despite the accusations, he continued to serve as a commissioner and remained on the ballot for the November election for the Hancock County Council. During this time, he was under house arrest in Las Vegas. Jessup was one of the three successful candidates, securing approximately 15,000 votes.
On Wednesday, Jessup confessed to the charge of attempted sexual assault, a Class B felony, according to court records. As per Indiana law, convicted felons are not allowed to hold office, which means Jessup will have to step down from his position.
In a statement to the Daily Reporter, Jessup expressed his remorse, stating, “It’s been my greatest honor serving the people of Hancock County and I’m deeply, deeply ashamed and profoundly sorry for the shame that I brought to the county.”
Prosecutors are reportedly seeking a prison sentence of eight to 20 years for Jessup, while his legal team is advocating for probation. The Daily Reporter, citing a probable cause arrest affidavit, reported that the charges originated from an incident on January 25, during a trip to Las Vegas with a woman. Witnesses reportedly told investigators that Jessup repeatedly served the woman Long Island iced teas throughout the night, leading to her extreme intoxication.
The woman reportedly needed a wheelchair to return to her hotel room with Jessup. She recalled entering the shower fully clothed and later woke up naked in bed with Jessup, who was sexually assaulting her, according to the affidavit. The woman reported the alleged assault a few days later, leading to Jessup’s arrest in June. During an interview with detectives, Jessup admitted to inappropriate behavior but denied that it amounted to sexual assault.
A Republican county official confirmed to Indianapolis Fox affiliate WXIN that Jessup had pledged to resign. The official stated, “Mr. Jessup decided to keep his name on the ballot after charges were filed. He later verbally and via text committed to resigning if elected. Until the legal process concludes or he resigns, the party has no further role.”