An investigation conducted by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn has revealed that former priest and teacher Michael Melendez faced credible allegations of sexual abuse of a minor while he was teaching at a Queens high school in the 1990s. These allegations, reported recently, led to Melendez’s suspension from his teaching position at St. Francis Preparatory High School in Fresh Meadows, Queens, where he had been teaching religion since 2018. Additionally, he was removed from his role as Director of Religious Education at Our Lady of Grace Church in Howard Beach.
The Diocesan Review Board found the allegations made by three individuals to be credible, even though they were reported more than 16 years after Melendez left the priesthood in 2008. Melendez had initially requested temporary leave in 2004 before being officially laicized in 2008 for personal reasons. It is important to note that no allegations had been made against him at the time of his departure from the priesthood.
Specific details of the allegations reported to the Diocese have not been disclosed to the public. Prior to leaving the priesthood, Melendez served at various parishes in Brooklyn and Queens, including St. Brigid in Bushwick, St. Elizabeth in Ozone Park, St. Michael’s in Flushing, and Our Lady of Fatima in Jackson Heights.
As a result of the credible allegations against him, Melendez has been included in the Diocese of Brooklyn’s List of Credibly Accused Priests, which currently consists of 119 clergy members. This announcement comes following a recent settlement between the Diocese and New York Attorney General Letitia James. The settlement requires a secular monitor to oversee the Diocese’s adherence to enhanced policies on handling sexual abuse cases.
The investigation conducted by the Attorney General’s office discovered that the Diocese of Brooklyn, which is responsible for 211 churches and 84 schools in Brooklyn and Queens, had not been adequately safeguarding children from sexual abuse. It was also found that the Diocese had neglected to follow its own procedures for addressing abuse allegations. Allegations were reportedly delayed, and inconsistent standards of proof were applied, allowing certain clergy members to evade accountability.
In accordance with the terms of the settlement, the Diocese has committed to expediting its complaint and investigation processes. This will enable victims to file reports confidentially and receive protection under a new whistleblower policy. These measures aim to provide a safer environment for children and hold accountable those responsible for committing acts of abuse.
