The Diocese of Fall River received a report alleging non-consensual clergy sexual abuse by Father Jay Mello approximately 10 years ago, but failed to do something about it.
The young adult victim, who was in his twenties at the time of the non-consensual clergy sexual abuse, reported the abuse to Bishop George Coleman at a meeting in approximately 2013.
The alleged victim of Father Jay Mello also met with investigators of the Catholic Church in 2023 out of continued concern.
Father Jay Mello was removed recently from active ministry because of an allegation of non-consensual clergy sexual abuse by a different alleged victim which Father Mello reportedly denies.
What
An in-person and Zoom press conference discussing the recent removal of Father Jay Mello as an active priest in the Diocese of Fall River. An allegation of non-consensual sexual abuse was reported to the Diocese of Fall River in approximately 2013 but the Diocese failed to do anything about it. The alleged victim will not be participating in the press conference.
When
Wednesday, June 26, 2024 at 11:30 am
Where
On the public sidewalk outside the headquarters of the Diocese of Fall River at 450 Highland Avenue, Fall River, MA 02720
Who
Attorney Mitchell Garabedian of Boston, MA, representing the vulnerable adult victim, will appear by Zoom. His Zoom link is:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/8793639574?pwd=S09NS240NEhoL09JMjIxRFErQXV2UT09
Dr. Robert M. Hoatson, Ph.D., Co-founder and President of Road to Recovery, Inc, a non-profit charity based in New Jersey that assists victims of sexual abuse and their families; a former priest of the Archdiocese of Newark, NJ, and a former Christian Brother stationed in Boston, Massachusetts. Dr. Hoatson will appear in person at the press conference. See contact information above.
Why
(see above)
Contact
Attorney Mitchell Garabedian, Boston, MA, – cell – 617-388-5252; office – 617-523-6250
(Portrayed by actor Stanley Tucci in the 2016 Academy Award-winning Best Picture “Spotlight”)
MEDIA COVERAGE OF NEWS CONFERENCE
10 WJAR
Fall River pastor placed on leave amid repeated sexual misconduct allegations
by KENNEDY BUCK, NBC 10 NEWS Wed, June 26th 2024 at 5:36 PM
Click on Link for Article and Video
WPRI.COM 12
Attorney: Fall River diocese ignored 2013 allegations against priest now on leave
by: Eli Sherman, Jake Holter
Posted: Jun 26, 2024 / 05:27 PM EDT
Click on Link for Article and Video
THE HERALD NEWS
NEWS
‘It was a violent incident’: Attorney says Father Jay Mello has other sexual abuse victims
Click on Link for the Article
