Former Social Worker Sentenced to 25 Years for Decades-Long Abuse of Young Boys
Michael Lesko, a former social worker and counselor, was sentenced to 25 years in prison for sexually abusing young boys. His crimes, described by Judge Michael Oster Jr. as among the most serious a person can commit, involved grooming and exploiting children, some as young as 13 years old.
Lesko’s abuse spanned over 15 years, from 2008 to 2023, and occurred in multiple locations across Ohio. He used his position of trust to manipulate and harm the affected children, many of whom came from unstable homes. Despite his impressive professional resume, including roles at UC Health and his private practice, Lesko’s actions betrayed the very principles of his profession.
The court proceedings revealed the profound impact of his crimes on the affected children and their families. While Lesko declined to speak during his sentencing, his attorney stated that he had taken full responsibility for his actions. Judge Oster emphasized the limitations of the justice system in repairing the harm caused, stating that courts can only administer justice after the fact.
