FALL RIVER, Mass. (WLNE) — Fall River Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha stated in a Thursday letter that a city priest on administrative leave admitted to “serious sexual misconduct.” da Cunha said that the letter was prompted due to a number of “false claims and rumors causing confusion based on the belief that Fr. Mello has been unfairly placed on leave.” “I feel it is necessary to inform your parish and school communities of an important development in the investigation in that Fr. Mello recently admitted to serious sexual misconduct which began while counseling an adult parishioner,” said da Cunha. da Cunha goes to on to say that the confusion in the matter has been disruptive to the school environment. A peaceful demonstration regarding the matter has been planned by parents, parishioners, and community members for Friday. Mello was the pastor of St. Michael’s Church on Essex Street and St. Joseph’s Church on North Main Street, as well as the pastor of St. Michael’s School, a pre-kindergarten to Grade 8 Catholic School, da Cunha concluded the letter saying that he anticipates the investigation in the alleged misconduct will be finished in early 2025.   Categories: Fall River, Massachusetts, News