Profile Facts
- Name
- John Andrew Blasko
- Role
- Priest
- Diocese
- Diocese of Lansing
- Ordained
- 1933
- Status
- Accused
- Died
- 1/29/1960
- Records
- Diocesan and public records
Father John Andrew Blasko, ordained in 1933 for the Diocese of Lansing, was accused of sexually abusing a 17-year-old boy at his cabin in the early 1960s, plying the teen and other youths with alcohol before the alleged assault. The account appears in the Michigan Attorney General’s December 16, 2024 Diocese of Lansing report. White Law PLLC’s clergy sexual abuse lawyers summarize the documented allegations here.
The accuser’s life was profoundly damaged: disbelieved by caregivers, subjected to shock and hydro treatments, and left with cognitive deficits. His story underscores why survivors deserve both compassion and a rigorous legal advocate.
Sexual Abuse in the Diocese of Lansing
Lansing is one of Michigan’s seven Catholic dioceses, alongside the Archdiocese of Detroit and the dioceses of Gaylord, Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Marquette, and Saginaw. The Attorney General’s Lansing report, released December 16, 2024, documents Blasko’s case among many others. Our firm serves survivors statewide as a Michigan clergy sexual abuse lawyer.
When institutions and even medical providers dismiss a survivor, the damage multiplies. An attorney can ensure your account is evaluated on evidence, not on who believed you decades ago.
The Allegations Against Father John Andrew Blasko
Where He Served
Blasko was ordained in 1933 and served in the Diocese of Lansing, including at Holy Redeemer Parish in Flint. He died on January 29, 1960.
What Survivors Reported
Per the Michigan Attorney General’s December 16, 2024 Diocese of Lansing report, a man reported in September 2000 that Blasko sexually abused him at age 17 in the early 1960s at Blasko’s cabin, where five other youths were present and “got nude and drank.” While the boys were drunk in the river, Blasko allegedly shot a BB gun at them. When confronted days later at the rectory, Blasko reportedly blamed the alcohol, saying “never get drunk because you’ll do the same thing.” The man contacted the diocese again in 2012, also alleging abuse by another priest at seminary. He told his parents, who involved a social worker, a psychologist, and a psychiatrist, none of whom believed him, and he was subjected to shock and hydro treatments that caused cognitive deficits. The man died in July 2014 while awaiting a promised meeting with the bishop; the diocese paid his funeral expenses. With Blasko’s death in 1960, criminal prosecution is impossible, but the Attorney General’s report preserves the account for civil purposes.
Criminal vs. Civil Sexual Abuse Cases
Criminal prosecution punishes offenders through imprisonment, but only the state can bring such cases. Father Blasko died in 1960, so he is no longer alive for anyone to pursue criminal charges against him.
Civil lawsuits, by contrast, belong to survivors and seek compensation for medical care, therapy, pain and suffering, and emotional harm. The Diocese of Lansing, which documented this report and paid the accuser’s funeral expenses, can be called to answer in civil court.
Statute of Limitations on Clergy Sexual Abuse Cases in Michigan
Michigan Legislature §600.5805 generally allows civil sexual abuse claims within ten years or until the victim turns 28, whichever is later. Michigan imposes no time limit on first-degree criminal sexual conduct.
Blasko’s accuser waited decades and was met with disbelief at every turn, yet his report ultimately entered the official state record. Survivors should never assume their story is too old to matter without a legal review.
View All Accused Clergy in Michigan
Pursue Justice With Help From White Law PLLC
A diocese that receives a detailed abuse report owes a duty to investigate and protect others. When it fails, through disbelief, inaction, or cover-up, it may be liable for the survivor’s injuries. Recoverable damages include medical and therapy expenses, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
Reach White Law PLLC at (517) 316-1195 or . Consultations are free and confidential, and we charge no fee unless we secure compensation.
Profiles summarize published records and allegations. Inclusion does not constitute a legal finding.