Top stories: Fall River priest placed on leave over 'sexual misconduct' allegations
As we kick off a new week, let's take a look back at the week that was.
Top stories this past week included:
The city’s new director of Veterans’ Services, Talos “Doc” Farris, knows firsthand how the horrors of battle can affect servicemembers mentally and physically.
Fall River's annual Feast of Santo Christo Parish is this weekend.
Audrey's Market and Deli is now open in Swansea.
The latest Greater Fall River real estate report, featuring a raised ranch in Fall River that sold for $550,000. The house on Small Street is adorned with beautiful hardwood floors, four spacious bedrooms, and a recently updated in-law apartment. Check out this property, as well as other recent top-sellers.
The first presidential debate in the 2024 race for the White House was held this past week.
After a stunning loss to Georgia in Euro2024, Portugal will face Slovenia on Monday.
There have been some upgrades at Water Wizz.
These were the most read stories of the week on HeraldNews.com:
Fall River priest placed on leave over allegations of 'sexual misconduct'
The Diocese of Fall River announced that it has launched an investigation into alleged sexual misconduct by the Rev. Jay Mello, pastor of St. Michael’s Church on Essex Street and St. Joseph’s Church on North Main Street.
Mello is also pastor of St. Michael’s School, a pre-kindergarten to Grade 8 Catholic school on Essex Street, and serves on the School Committee for the Greater Fall River Vocational School District. He serves as chaplain for the Fall River Police Department.
In a letter written by Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, he noted that Mello has denied the allegations.
Learn more about the investigation, here.
Diocese investigation: Fall River priest placed on leave over allegations of 'sexual misconduct': What we know
Attorney says Father Jay Mello has other sexual abuse victims
Mello has also been accused of sexual assault by at least one other person, and there may be others, an attorney for the alleged victim said.
Attorney Mitchell Garabedian, who has represented multiple victims of clergy sexual abuse, claimed that in 2013 the Rev. Jay Mello sexually abused a 28-year-old man.
"He trusted Father Mello, and Father Mello took advantage of him sexually,” said Garabedian via teleconference at a press conference held outside the headquarters of the Diocese of Fall River on Highland Avenue. “There was no consent in this sexual relationship. It was a violent incident ... and my client fled.”
'It was a violent incident': Attorney says Father Jay Mello has other sexual abuse victims
FBI, state and local police search for evidence along Route 88 in Westport
An FBI team searched the area around Route 88 in Westport as part of “an ongoing, multi-jurisdictional investigation,” a spokesperson for the FBI said Thursday.
FBI spokeswoman Kristen Setera could not comment on the nature of the evidence being searched for.
This is what we know, as of this writing.
'Ongoing investigation': FBI, state and local police search for evidence along Route 88 in Westport
Fall River barbecue restaurant closes its doors after 13 years
The owners of Ed's Famous BBQ in Fall River have announced they've closed their Brayton Avenue business after 13 years, as the couple embark on the next chapter of their lives — retirement.
Here's their story, as well as their plans for sailing off into the sunset.
'The next part of our lives': Fall River barbecue restaurant closes its doors after 13 years
Food trucks, music, fireworks: Fall River's Waterfront 4th of July Celebration
The 4th of July is this week, and Fall River is planning to celebrate in style.
Fall River's Waterfront 4th of July Celebration will be packed with fun for everyone, with all kinds of events planned at the Sen. Thomas Norton City Pier, Heritage State Park, and Bicentennial Park.
Here's what's on deck, and when the fireworks start.
Food trucks, music, fireworks: Fall River's Waterfront 4th of July Celebration
Herald News/Taunton Daily Gazette copy editor and digital producer Kristina Fontes can be reached at kfontes@heraldnews.com. Support local journalism by purchasing a digital or print subscription to The Herald News and Taunton Daily Gazette today.
This article originally appeared on The Herald News: Herald News top stories: Priest on leave over 'sexual misconduct'
