FALL RIVER (MA)
WLNE-TV, ABC-6 [Providence RI]
June 26, 2024
By Isabella Pelletiere
A man who was the alleged victim of sexual abuse by a Fall River priest will be holding a press conference with his lawyer outside the headquarters of the diocese.
Rev. Jay Mello was placed on administrative leave after the diocese received “concerning information alleging sexual misconduct by the priest,” and that an initial inquiry showed “sufficient evidence” for further investigation.
Mello was the pastor of St. Michael’s Church on Essex Street and St. Joseph’s Church on North Main Street.
He was also the pastor of St. Michael’s School, a pre-kindergarten to Grade 8 Catholic School, and served on the School Committee for the Greater Fall River Vocational School District. He was also serving as the chaplain for the Fall River Police Department.
Mello is no longer residing at the parish rectory and has been “directed to refrain from exercising public priestly ministry.”
The man who is alleging the abuse, says he approached Bishop George Coleman in 2013 about what happened and met with Catholic Church investigators last year.
In a letter, Bishop George Da Cunha wrote that the situation was distressing, and said the community was in his prayers during this “challenging time.”
The diocese said there has been no allegations with minors, and Mello has denied all allegations.
The victim and his lawyer will holding a press conference with his lawyer outside the Diocese of Fall River at 11:30 a.m.
The victim, who has not been identified, will not be participating in the press conference.