FALL RIVER (MA)
WLNE-TV, ABC-6 [Providence RI]
June 26, 2024
By Kaitlin Gehlhaus
An attorney spoke Wednesday regarding a sexual abuse case involving a priest in Fall River.
Mitchell Garibedian is representing a man who claims he was sexually abused by a priest in the Fall River Catholic Diocese and said he is glad the case is finally being investigated after 11 years.
Fall River Reverend Jay Mello was placed on administrative leave last week after the diocese received what the church is calling “concerning information” alleging sexual misconduct by the priest.
“This is another example of the Diocese of Fall River and the Catholic Church practicing cover-up and sexual abuse,” Garabedian said. “And not caring about whether or not victims of sexual abuse heal and whether the public is protected from predators.”
Mello was the pastor of St. Michael’s and St. Joseph’s churches and was also the head of St. Michael’s school, serving on the school committee for the Greater Fall River Vocational School District.
He additionally served as the chaplain for the Fall River Police Department.
“Everybody in Fall River who was ever abused or used or groomed by this man, Father Jay Mello, to go to the police,” co-founder and president of ‘Road to Recovery’ Robert Hoatson said.
The man who alleged the abuse said he approached the church about the incident back in 2013 and nothing was done.
“Where has Fall River been for 10 years? Why are they practicing cover-up?” Garabedian questioned. “Why now after more than 10 years they are coming forward with this announcement.”
The diocese said Mello was not involved with minors, noting he has denied all allegations.
Mello is no longer at the parish rectory and has been directed to refrain from preaching publicly.