Off-duty Fall River priest and alleged victim to hold news conference

FALL RIVER, Mass. (WLNE) — A man who was the victim of alleged sexual abuse by a Fall River priest will hold a news conference with his attorney outside diocesan headquarters.

The Rev. Jay Mello was placed on administrative leave after the diocese received “information alleging sexual misconduct by the priest” and an initial investigation showed “sufficient evidence” for further investigation.

Mello was the pastor of St. Michael's Church on Essex Street and St. Joseph's Church on North Main Street.

He also served as pastor of St. Michael's School, a K-8 Catholic school, and served on the school committee for the Greater Fall River Vocational School District. He was also a chaplain for the Fall River Police Department.

Mello no longer resides at the parish rectory and has been “ordered to refrain from exercising public priestly ministry.”

The man who alleges the abuse says he contacted Bishop George Coleman in 2013 about what happened and met with Catholic Church investigators last year.

In a letter, Bishop George Da Cunha wrote that the situation was distressing and said the community was in his prayers during this “difficult time.”

The diocese said there had been no allegations involving minors and Mello denied all allegations.

The victim and her attorney will hold a news conference with her attorney outside the Diocese of Fall River at 11:30 a.m.

The victim, who has not been identified, will not participate in the press conference.