Father Jay Mello has been removed from priestly duties following credible allegations of sexual misconduct that emerged a year ago. Initially placed on leave in June 2024, Mello had served as a pastor at St. Michael and St. Joseph churches since 2016. The Roman Catholic Diocese of Fall River conducted a thorough investigation, which determined that he abused his position of power and engaged in misconduct with two parishioners. Mello will not return to the parishes and remains restricted from priestly ministry.
Cunha "determined that some, though not all, of the allegations were credible, including credible allegations that Father Mello abused his position of power as a priest and engaged in sexual misconduct with two parishioners he was counseling."
Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha completed his own independent review, according to the diocese, and took into consideration recommendations from the Ministerial Review Board of the Diocese of Fall River.
Collection
[
|
...
]