FALL RIVER (MA)
Boston.com [Boston MA]
June 25, 2024
By Molly Farrar
A well-known Catholic priest in Fall River was removed from his duties and placed on leave due to sexual misconduct allegations, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Fall River announced Sunday.
Rev. Jay Mello has been a pastor at the neighboring St. Michael and St. Joseph churches in Fall River since 2016. The diocese said in an announcement that Mello, 44, was placed on administrative leave last week due to allegations of sexual misconduct.
The allegations do not involve minors, the diocese said.
The diocese said its initial investigation showed “sufficient evidence to warrant further investigation to determine whether Father Mello has violated the standards of ministerial behavior.”
Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha wrote to parishioners over the weekend that Mello’s leave and the pending investigation is “shocking and unsettling.”
“This situation is distressing for all of us,” he wrote. “Please know that my prayers are with all the faithful people of St. Michael and St. Joseph Parishes during this challenging time.”
Mello is an active member of the Fall River community. He serves on the School Committee for the Greater Fall River Regional Vocational School District. Committee Chair Paul Jennings did not respond to a request for comment Tuesday.
According to the Fall River Herald News, Mello also serves as chaplain for the city’s police department.
With the pending investigation, Mello is no longer living at the parish rectory, which the diocese said is standard practice. Another priest will temporarily take over responsibilities for both churches, and the current schedule for church services will be unchanged.
Mello did not return multiple requests for comment on Tuesday, but the diocese said he denied the allegations.
“(Father Mello) is entitled to the presumption of innocence until the investigation is complete and a final determination is made,” the diocese wrote.