Authorities are searching for more victims of a former Florida doctor accused of sexually abusing a patient

By Mark Price
Merced Sunstar

FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. – A former emergency medical services worker is accused of sexually assaulting one of his patients while she lay unconscious in his ambulance, investigators in North Florida say.

The incident occurred in 2021 and came to light three years later when Daytona Beach police discovered a video, officials said.

A man in the video was identified as James Melady, 37, who lives in Daytona Beach and was working for the Flagler County Fire Department at the time, according to the Flagler County Sheriff's Office. He is no longer with the fire department, officials said.

“The DBPD advised that while investigating Melady in cases under their jurisdiction, a video was discovered showing Melady, while on duty and in uniform, harassing an unconscious woman in Flagler County while performing his official duties,” the sheriff's office said.

An investigation revealed that on October 17, 2021, an ambulance was called to the victim's home so she could be transported to a hospital in Palm Coast. Details about why she had to be hospitalized have not been released.

“The video … clearly shows the suspect abusing the victim while he is apparently unconscious,” officials said.

The woman, who no longer lives in the county, met with investigators and stated she had “no knowledge whatsoever” of the attack, officials said.

Melady was arrested Sept. 11 and charged with sexual battery of a helpless person and video voyeurism of a victim 19 years of age or older. He is being held without bail, officials said.

“It is likely that there are more victims of his abhorrent behavior,” Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly said in the press release.

Anyone who suspects they have been a victim of Melady is asked to call the FCSO Communications Center non-emergency number at 386-313-4911 or email [email protected].

The suspect was part of a team of paramedics and emergency medical technicians who are also trained firefighters, the district said.

Flagler County is located about 70 miles south of Jacksonville.

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