Ex-Priest with Long History of Child Sex Abuse Allegations Found Teaching at Largest Private Catholic High School in US

A former priest has been fired from his job as a religious teacher at a Brooklyn preparatory school after past allegations of sexually abusing minors were brought to light.

The Diocese of Brooklyn shared the conclusion of their investigation into Michael Melendez on Friday. Melendez was suspended from his position at St. Francis Preparatory High School at the onset of his investigation, but was terminated "effective immediately" when the Diocese found three separate allegations against Melendez to be credible.

"The Diocese takes all allegations of sexual misconduct with minors seriously and has instituted significant programs to prevent sexual abuse and protect children," said a spokesperson for the Diocese of Brooklyn.

"The Diocese abides by the 2002 Charter for the Protection of Children which includes a zero tolerance policy that states that any clergy member who is determined to be credibly accused of sexual misconduct with a minor is permanently removed from ministry."

Ordained in 1989, Melendez served at several New York area churches until he went on a temporary personal leave in 2004. His departure was made permanent in 2008.

St. Francis Preparatory School, described on its website as the largest private Catholic secondary school in the U.S., employed Melendez from 2018 to 2024. Melendez has now been added to The Diocese's list of Credibly Accused Priests.