Former paramedic charged with sexual abuse of unconscious patient

FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. – A former Flagler County Fire Department employee faces sex crimes charges in connection with an alleged 2021 assault in the back of a county ambulance.

James Melady, 37, is accused of sexually assaulting an unconscious woman in an ambulance while on duty in uniform, the Flagler County Sheriff's Office announced Thursday.

Daytona Beach Police Department officials contacted FCSO after a video was discovered as investigators were investigating other cases in their jurisdiction involving Melady.

The sheriff's office said the video “explicitly” shows Melady attacking a woman “while she was obviously unconscious” as she was being taken to a Palm Coast hospital on Oct. 17, 2021.

According to the sheriff's office, the victim was unaware of the attack until detectives notified her.

On Wednesday, investigators obtained an arrest warrant for Melady on charges of sexual abuse of a helpless person and video voyeurism of a victim 19 years of age or older.

Melady was arrested in Volusia County, where he is being held without bail. He retired from the Flagler County Fire Department earlier this year.

Flagler County detectives interviewed Melady, who confessed to the alleged crimes.

“It is unbelievable to me what this offender did to an unconscious victim while on duty, when he was actually responsible for providing emergency medical care, and then sexually assaulted her instead,” said Sheriff Rick Staly. “There are likely other victims of his disgusting behavior.”

Anyone who believes they may be a victim of Melady or has information about this or other treatments is asked to call the Flagler County Sheriff's Office non-emergency tip line at 386-313-4911 or email [email protected].