Community members host demonstration to support priest on leave for alleged ‘sexual misconduct’

FALL RIVER, Mass. (WLNE) — Fall River community members held a demonstration where they said they were demanding answers as to why a priest was placed on leave after allegations of sexual misconduct.

In a letter that went out to parishioners, Fall River Diocese Bishop Edgar da Cunha said that Father Jay Mello admitted to misconduct with an adult he was counseling after initially denying any wrongdoing.

Bishop da Cunha added that the letter was issued due to “a number of false claims, rumors and confusion based on the belief that Father Mello was placed on leave.”

Both parents and students said they are waiting for answers after the long investigation, and that Mello’s abrupt removal caused “distress”

“Every time I would come into school, he would be waiting outside for everyone and he would always have a nice question to ask,” one student said. “He was always very nice and kind”

They added they “will not rest” until there is more “accountability and support” from the parish.

Mello was removed from St. Michael’s and St. Joseph’s parishes after the diocese received “concerning information alleging sexual misconduct by the priest,” and that an initial inquiry showed “sufficient evidence” for further investigation.

The man who alleged the misconduct said he approached Bishop George Coleman in 2013 about what happened and met with Catholic Church investigators last year.

According to the bishop an investigation into the case is expected to finish in early 2025.