Ex-Mayor Accused of Child Rape Says 4-Year-Old Was 'Willing,' Then He Told His Wife

TRUMBULL, OH — Richard Keenan, the former Hubbard mayor, who was indicted on charges of rape last month, allegedly confessed to raping and molesting a 4-year-old child, according to legal filings Monday.

The 65-year-old Keenan made the confessions to his wife, brother, sister-in-law, a social worker and a pastor, the Youngstown Vindicator reports. Court records indicate that the alleged abuse began in 2013 and ended in September 2015.

Keenan, who served as Hubbard’s mayor in 2010 and 2011, was arrested Aug. 18. He was indicted on eight counts of gross sexual imposition, eight counts of rape and four counts of attempted rape. He pleaded not guilty. A trial is set for April 24.

The filings show that Keenan claimed the girl was a willing participant and initiated the sex acts, The Vindicator reports.

When Keenan’s wife confronted him, he allegedly told her, “I did it.” He was later admitted into Trumbull Memorial Hospital’s psychiatric ward, reports the Washington Post. While there, Keenan confessed again during group sessions.

Keenan later told a social worker at the River Bend Treatment center that he was feeling suicidal because of his actions. He also told the social worker that the girl was a “willing participant” and had initiated the sex acts, according to The Vindicator.

Keenan then spoke with a local pastor about the alleged abuse. He also told his brother and sister-in-law that he had gone way over the line, the Washington Post reports.

When Keenan was sworn in as mayor in 2010, he told The Vindicator that the opportunity for government service made him want to do his best. “It’s not about me...it’s about serving the people,” he told the paper.

He also told The Vindicator that he was a Christian and had dedicated his life to Jesus. “Don’t preach it, but live it,” he told the paper.

Keenan was booked into Trumbull County jail in August and was released the same day on $75,00 bail, according to court records.

Photo courtesy of the Trumbull County Sheriff's Office