FALL RIVER (MA)
Herald News [Fall River MA]
June 30, 2024
By Kristina Fontes
The Diocese of Fall River announced that it has launched an investigation into alleged sexual misconduct by the Rev. Jay Mello, pastor of St. Michael’s Church on Essex Street and St. Joseph’s Church on North Main Street.
Mello is also pastor of St. Michael’s School, a pre-kindergarten to Grade 8 Catholic school on Essex Street, and serves on the School Committee for the Greater Fall River Vocational School District. He serves as chaplain for the Fall River Police Department.
In a letter written by Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, he noted that Mello has denied the allegations.
Learn more about the investigation, here.
Diocese investigation:Fall River priest placed on leave over allegations of ‘sexual misconduct’: What we know
Attorney says Father Jay Mello has other sexual abuse victims
Attorney Mitchell Garabedian, who has represented multiple victims of clergy sexual abuse, claimed that in 2013 the Rev. Jay Mello sexually abused a 28-year-old man.
“He trusted Father Mello, and Father Mello took advantage of him sexually,” said Garabedian via teleconference at a press conference held outside the headquarters of the Diocese of Fall River on Highland Avenue. “There was no consent in this sexual relationship. It was a violent incident … and my client fled.”
‘It was a violent incident’:Attorney says Father Jay Mello has other sexual abuse victims