Fall River priest fired pending sexual misconduct investigation

FALL RIVER – The Diocese of Fall River announced Friday that it is opening 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 the pastor of St. Michael’s School, a Catholic school on Essex Street that serves preschool through 8th grade, and a member of the Greater Fall River Vocational School District School Board. He is the chaplain of the Fall River Police Department.

In a letter from Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha to members of his parish, parents of the school’s students and local clergy, he states: “It is important to emphasize that there are no allegations of inappropriate behavior toward minors.”

Da Cunha added that Mello denied the allegations.

The scope of the investigation into the diocese

According to the diocese, Mello was initially investigated and further investigations are needed “to determine whether Father Mello violated the norms of spiritual conduct and the code of conduct for priests.”

Da Cunha wrote that he had placed Mello on leave “pending the investigation.”