Lawyer speaks out on alleged sexual abuse case involving Fall River priest

FALL RIVER, Mass. (WLNE) – An attorney spoke out Wednesday about a sexual abuse case involving a priest in Fall River.

Mitchell Garibedian represents a man who claims he was sexually assaulted by a priest in the Catholic Diocese of Fall River and says he's glad the case is finally being investigated after 11 years.

The Rev. Jay Mello of Fall River was placed on administrative leave last week after the diocese received what the church calls “information regarding” alleging sexual misconduct by the priest.

“This is another example of cover-up and sexual abuse in the Diocese of Fall River and the Catholic Church,” Garabedian said. “And doesn’t care whether or not victims of sexual abuse recover 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 principal of St. Michael's School, serving on the school committee of the Greater Fall River Vocational School District.

He also served as chaplain for the Fall River Police Department.

“Everyone in Fall River who was abused, used or manipulated by this man, Father Jay Mello, into turning themselves in to the police,” said Robert Hoatson, co-founder and president of Road to Recovery “.

The man who alleged the abuse said he contacted the church about the incident in 2013 and nothing was done.

“Where has Fall River been for 10 years?” Why do they practice concealment? » asked Garabedian. “Why now, after more than 10 years, they are making this announcement.”

The diocese said Mello was not involved with minors, noting that he denied all allegations.

Mello is no longer at the parish rectory and has been ordered to refrain from preaching publicly.