Ex-youth counselor headed to prison for raping children
A former social worker who worked with notable companies and organizations around Greater Cincinnati is headed to prison.
Michael Lesko, 34, was sentenced to 25 years in prison for raping children.
The West Chester man previously pleaded guilty to six counts of rape and one count of gross sexual imposition.
Inside the packed courtroom Wednesday afternoon, the pain was palpable.
"Karma will catch up to you if it hasn't already. You are a monster, and you picked the wrong family to pry upon," said a relative of two of the victims.
Loved ones sitting in the gallery were in tears as relatives read statements on behalf of those who Lesko abused.
"Michael thought I needed him, and he tried to finance my silence," one relative said.
Another said, "No time or money would ever give me my innocence back. You robbed me of my innocence, my brother's innocence and three others that I know of. I hope you suffer and dream of things that won't come true. Twenty-five years will never be enough for the pain you have caused. You have affected more lives than you know of, and I hope you feel nothing but shame for the rest of your life."
On paper, Lesko's resume looked impressive. He was a social worker, mentor, counselor and volunteer.
Lesko ran life counseling out of his West Chester home and previously managed social services at UC Health before being let go.
"Michael made my family believe he was this great person, but they never met the Michael the five of us knew," a victim's relative said.
Investigators said Lesko didn't necessarily use his job to meet the children but used his skills to establish a rapport with families.
Judge Michael Oster gave Lesko an opportunity to speak at sentencing. Lesko declined.
Oster told the victims and their families that he could not use his gavel to erase the pain.
"What we can try and ensure is that justice is done, that a chapter can be closed and maybe healing can proceed," Oster said.
Lesko's attorney, Mark Wieczorek, released a statement to 바카라게임.
"The nature and classification of these types of cases is challenging, as a defense attorney, to navigate. Ultimately, the defendant has the sole discretion as to how they want to have the case litigated. We are pleased that we could facilitate the outcome in Mr. Lesko's case and that it met his demands," Wieczorek said.
Lesko will also be required to register as a Tier 3 sex offender.