St. Michael’s School plans to leave, seeks details in Mello sexual harassment investigation

FALL RIVER — Students at St. Michael School will walk out of school early Friday to join parents and parishioners in a demonstration outside the Diocese of Fall River office, seeking answers to questions the Rev. Jay Mello sexual harassment investigation.

According to a press release, demonstrators will stand outside the residence of Bishop Edgar da Cunha and the diocesan office on Highland Avenue, demanding “transparency from church leadership.”

Mello has been on administrative leave and relieved of all priestly duties since June, when the diocese launched investigation of allegations of sexual harassment filed against him.

The Rev. Jay Mello, chaplain for the Fall River Police Department, gives the blessing at the Fall River Municipal Officers Inauguration Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2024, at BMC Durfee High School in Fall River.

“The lack of communication from the diocese has caused confusion among parents, students and parishioners,” the press release states. “Many children at SMS have been emotionally affected by the sudden absence of Father Jay, a trusted figure in their lives, and the failure of Church leadership to address this situation is causing more and more suffering.”

The diocese said it does not comment on an ongoing investigation.

What we know: Fall River priest placed on leave over ‘sexual abuse’ allegations

Who is “Dad Jay” Mello?

Mello was the pastor of St. Michael’s and St. Joseph’s churches, as well as Essex Street Elementary through 8th grade.

St. Michael's Church on Essex Street in Fall River, Thursday, June 13, 2024. — St. Michael’s Church on Essex Street in Fall River, Thursday, June 13, 2024.

Mello was born and raised in Fall River and graduated from Diman Regional Vocational High School. He attended Franciscan University in Steubenville, Ohio, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and theology. After graduation, Mello attended the American Seminary in Rome.

He was ordained a priest in July 2007 at Assumption Cathedral in Fall River and returned to Rome to study dogmatic theology. After returning to the United States in 2008, he was assigned to St. Julie Parish in Dartmouth and served as chaplain at Bishop Stang High School. In 2010 he was reassigned to St. Patrick’s Parish, Falmouth, and in 2012 he was reassigned to St. Mary’s Parish, Mansfield. Soon he was reassigned to the parish of St. Michael, and in 2019 he became the chaplain of the police department.

After he was sent on leave, he no longer lives in the parish of St. Mykhaila, is no longer a police chaplain and has left his position on the Diman School Committee.

“It was a violent incident”: Lawyer says Father Jay Mello has other victims of sexual abuse

What is Reverend Jay Mello’s accusation?

The diocese released few details of the accusation. Da Cunha wrote in a letter to parishioners, parents of school students and local clergy: “It is important to note that there are no allegations of inappropriate behavior with minors.”

He added that Mello denies the allegations.

Robert Hoatson of Road to Recovery stands outside the headquarters of the Diocese of Fall River and the residence of Bishop Edgar da Cunha on Highland Avenue on June 26, 2024, to talk about sexual abuse allegations against the Rev. Jay Mello.

Days after the investigation was made public, attorney Mitchell Garabedian, who has represented many victims of clergy sexual abuse, said Mello had sexually assaulted a 28-year-old man in 2013, who is not the subject of the diocese’s current investigation.

Garabedian said the incident involving his client happened in the parish of St. Francis Xavier Church in Acushnet.

“There was no consent in this sexual relationship,” he said. “It was a violent incident … and my client ran away.”

Garabedian said the incident was never properly investigated by the diocese. A decade later, he said, his client met with a church investigator again, claiming he knew of two other people with whom Mello also had inappropriate contact.

“We take these things seriously”: How the Diocese of Fall River investigates reports of sexual abuse

Carolyn Shipp, director of the Office of Safe Environments for the Diocese of Fall River, works in her office at the rectory in Fall River on Tuesday, July 16, 2024.

What is the status of the investigation?

Diocese officials said the clergy sexual abuse investigation is being handled by retired police detective Tom Mauretti, who sometimes works with the investigative firm Matthews and Matthews.

There is no clear timeline for the completion of the investigation — Carolyn Shipp of the diocese’s Office of Safe Environments said it could be complex and lengthy.

Completed reports are submitted for assessment to the Ministerial Review Board of the diocese.

Shipp said victims receive support and counseling throughout the process.

Who is demonstrating?

According to the press release, “we are a united group of parents, parishioners and community members who stand together in demanding transparency and accountability from the Diocese of Fall River regarding the removal of Father Jay Mello. We are focused on the well-being of our children and the integrity of our faith community through peaceful, purposeful expression.”

This article originally appeared on The Herald News: Fall River Catholic School to get out; priest under investigation