Fr. Marian John Lesniak
Named publicly as credibly accused by the Diocese on its list 9/27/2019. Pastor of St. Joseph’s in Jackson for 39 years. Per the MI Attorney General’s 12/16/2024 Diocese of Lansing Report, in 1982 Bishop Povish was told that three boys saw Lesniak get into the priest’s car in a parking lot and that she “got down on the seat or floor” as he drove away. They allegedly saw him drop her off 90 minutes later. Povish said he didn’t believe it. In 2000 a woman alleged that she was sexually abused by Lesniak 1967-1973, beginning when she was age 12 and a student at St. Joseph School. She received a $50K settlement in 11/2000. In 2002 the woman expressed concern to the Diocese because Lesniak was still in public ministry. As a result, Lesniak was made to retire on 10/2/2002. In 2/2007 Lesniak was prohibited from public ministry. Lesniak’s alleged victim again contacted the Diocese in early 2008, concerned about Lesniak’s continuing to act as a priest. Bishop Mengeling reiterated to Lesniak that he was prohibited from public ministry, and added that he was not to have any contact with members of St. Joseph Parish or the woman’s family, and he was not to go to Jackson. In 2/2009 the woman told the Diocese Lesniak was violating conditions established the previous year. Lesniak died 10/9/2011.
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