Father Jay Mello not returning to parishes following diocese’s investigation into sexual misconduct, Diocese of Fall River says

FALL RIVER, Mass. (WLNE) — The Diocese of Fall River said Father Jay Mello will not be returning as Pastor to his previous parishes following an investigation into sexual misconduct allegations made against him.

As a result of the investigation, the Diocese of Fall River said it found that “Father Mello abused his position of power as a priest and engaged in sexual misconduct with two parishioners he was counseling,” and that he violated the diocese’s “professional standards and pastoral care.”

The diocese added that not all of the allegations made against Mello were found to be credible, and none of the allegations involved minors.

In June 2024, Mello was placed on administrative leave after the diocese received “concerning information alleging sexual misconduct by the priest,” and that an initial inquiry showed “sufficient evidence” for further investigation.

The Diocese’s Ministerial Review Board then reviewed evidence and gave “recommendations” to Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha.

After conducting his own evaluation of the evidence and recommendations by the board, Bishop da Cunha determined that “some, though not all, of the allegations were credible,” according to the Diocese of Fall River.

In addition to not returning to St. Michael and St. Joseph Parishes, Mello “currently remains restricted from priestly ministry.”

In the press release, the Diocese of Fall River said “not all ministerial misconduct is criminal.”

ABC6 News has reached out to Fall River police regarding the incident.