Butler County man accused of sexually abusing multiple young boys

Middletown, Miamisburg, Madison Twp. and West Chester Twp. the location of the alleged crimes

A Butler County man accused of sexual abuse of multiple young male victims in four area cities was taken into custody Wednesday in Georgia.

Michael Lesko, 34, of West Chester Twp. is charged with seven counts of rape, a first-degree felony; six counts of gross sexual imposition, a third-degree felony and eight counts of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor, a fourth-degree felony.

The charges involve alleged crimes in Middletown, Miamisburg, Madison Twp. and West Chester Twp. pertaining to five victims, according to prosecutors and police.

The investigation showed Lesko had been engaging in the abuse for the past 15 years, from April 2008 to July 2023, according to the indictment.

The victims, as young as 13, were befriended and allegedly groomed by Lesko who held positions as a social worker, volunteer youth counselor, personal mentor and owned a privately run counseling service out of his residence located in West Chester Twp.

Due to the grooming activity and the trusted positions Lesko held, it is possible that there are other victims that have not been identified, according to police.

“We have not specifically been able to tie any of these offenses to positions that Mr. Lesko held,” said Lt. David Tivin. But he said because of the positions Lesko has held offered services to children and adolescents, “due to the nature of how rapport was built with victims and his exposure to a large number of juveniles through the positions that he held, we just want to make sure there are no other victims out there.”

Victims or families can call a tip line at 513-759-7270.

After a extradition proceedings in Harris County, Georgia, Lesko will be transported back to Butler County to stand trial. His case is assigned to Judge Michael Oster Jr.

About the Author