Jay Mello, the former pastor of St. Michael’s and St. Joseph’s parishes in Fall River, is restricted from returning to priestly duties after an investigation by the Diocese of Fall River found “credible allegations” that he engaged in sexual misconduct with two parishioners.

The diocese on July 1 announced the end of an investigation begun a little more than a year ago.

The diocese’s Ministerial Review Board, comprising mostly lay people, evaluated the investigation; Bishop Edgar da Cunha completed an independent review, and together determined that “some, though not all, of the allegations were credible, including credible allegations that Father Mello abused his position of power as a priest and engaged in sexual misconduct with two parishioners he was counseling.”

The diocese said Mello will not be returning to lead those parishes.

See more at heraldnews.com.