Michael Lesko, a 33-year-old former social worker and mentor, has been accused of sexually abusing multiple children. His role in the community as a counselor, social services manager, and youth mentor placed him in positions of trust—a trust that prosecutors and investigators believe he egregiously betrayed. Allegations against Lesko span over 15 years, with crimes involving children under the age of 16. His 21-count indictment includes rape, unlawful sexual conduct with minors, and gross sexual imposition.
Lesko’s alleged crimes took place across Butler, Montgomery, and Warren Counties in Ohio. Investigators believe he used his professional roles and connections to groom and exploit young survivors, many of whom were described as at-risk children seeking guidance and support. Such calculated violations of trust leave scars that can last a lifetime.
Investigators believe Lesko used his positions of trust to groom and exploit young survivors, leaving a devastating impact on the lives of those he was supposed to help. This case has prompted authorities to urge other potential survivors to come forward as they continue to uncover the extent of his alleged crimes.
Positions of Trust Exploited
Throughout his career, Lesko held positions that gave him access to vulnerable children and families. According to court records, he worked as a personal mentor, a private youth counselor, and, most recently, the manager of social services at UC Health. He resigned from his position in April 2024, shortly after the investigation began. Lesko also ran a privately owned counseling service out of his home on Cox Road, where authorities believe some of the alleged abuse took place.
The power dynamic in mentorship or counseling relationships plays a significant role in cases like this. Survivors of abuse often trust and look up to their perpetrators, which makes it even harder to recognize the abuse, report it, or process the betrayal. Grooming behaviors, like offering excessive attention, isolating survivors, or presenting as a "protector," create confusion and fear for survivors. Lesko allegedly used his roles as a "trusted adult" to lower the guards of both children and their families, making his actions even more devastating.
Understanding Grooming and Why Survivors May Struggle to Come Forward
One of the most insidious aspects of abuse is grooming, a calculated and manipulative process that predators use to gain a survivor’s trust and reduce their likelihood of speaking out. Grooming often involves a mix of affection, attention, and fear tactics. Lesko allegedly presented himself as someone who could help at-risk children and families, making it difficult for survivors to question his actions. This is particularly true for children who may feel unsafe or fear they won’t be believed if they disclose the abuse.
Sadly, part of the grooming process often includes ensuring survivors feel isolated—either by making them dependent on the abuser or by fostering a sense of shame that keeps them quiet. Survivors may also feel guilt or confusion about what happened. If you identify with any of these feelings, please know they aren’t your fault. Sexual abuse is never the survivor’s fault; the fault always lies with the perpetrator.
How the Investigation Began
The case against Michael Lesko came to light when survivors, years apart in age, confided in one another and realized that they had both been subjected to abuse by him. Their courage in coming forward is helping investigators build a case that seeks to prevent further harm and ensure accountability.
West Chester Police Lieutenant David Tivin shared that some of the survivors first discussed their experiences privately within their family before reporting it to the authorities. Their bravery helped launch an investigation into Lesko that ultimately led to his arrest in Georgia this past month. He is now being held in the Butler County Jail on a $500,000 bond while awaiting trial.
Authorities suspect there may be additional survivors whom Lesko may have harmed but who have yet to come forward.
Encouraging Survivors to Speak Out
Law enforcement has made it clear that they believe other survivors may still be out there. Over the years, Lesko’s work has brought him in contact with numerous children and families, particularly those in need of additional support and guidance. Families who may not have known about his history trusted him, which makes this betrayal all the more painful.
If you’re reading this and anything about this case feels familiar to you, please know it is okay to speak out. Whether or not you participate in legal proceedings, coming forward can help ensure you get the support you need. Law enforcement officials have urged other survivors to contact them, but they have also emphasized that coming forward doesn’t mean you are obligated to engage in a criminal case. It can simply be a step to connect with counseling, resources, and advocates who can help you through the healing process.
Advocating for Survivors of Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse leaves a profound impact on survivors. It’s not just the physical violation—it’s the emotional, psychological, and spiritual wounds that can take years, even lifetimes, to heal. Abuse can disrupt one’s sense of self, trust in relationships, and ability to feel safe. Many survivors report symptoms of depression, anxiety, PTSD, and difficulty maintaining close relationships—even decades after the abuse occurred.
But while the trauma is undeniable, so is the resilience of survivors. Even in the face of immense pain, survivors can—and do—heal. Support from trauma-informed counselors, therapists, and survivor advocacy groups plays a critical role in that healing. Survivors should never feel like they must carry their pain in silence or isolation. The first step might be as simple as reaching out to a trusted therapist or connecting with a local organization that specializes in helping survivors of abuse.
Breaking the Silence Around Abuse
Breaking the silence around sexual abuse can feel like an impossible hurdle, but every time a survivor speaks out, it sends the message that their voice matters. It tells other survivors they’re not alone. It tells perpetrators that their actions will not remain hidden. And perhaps most importantly, it starts the process of taking power back from something that was stolen.
If you or someone you know suspects abuse, please know there are resources available to offer compassionate support. Organizations like RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) provide hotlines, counseling, and connections to local services. Reaching out doesn’t mean you’re committing to anything—it just means you’re prioritizing yourself and taking the first steps toward healing.
Moving Forward, Together
Cases like the one involving Michael Lesko reveal the deep betrayal of trust that can come from those in positions of power and care. Survivors of abuse, especially at the hands of mentors and counselors, may take years to understand and process what happened. But there is strength in coming forward—whether publicly or privately—to reclaim your voice and access the support you deserve.
To every survivor reading this, please know there are people and organizations that respect you, believe you, and aim to support your rebuilding process. If you have questions or need guidance, consider seeking out counseling or legal professionals who support survivors like you. You deserve justice, healing, and above all, peace.
At File Abuse Lawsuit, we are here to assist survivors like you every step of the way. Please reach out to us if you believe we can help.