FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. — A former Flagler County Fire Rescue employee is facing sex crime 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 he was in uniform performing his official duties, the Flagler County Sheriff's Office announced Thursday.
Members of the Daytona Beach Police Department contacted the FCSO after a video was discovered as investigators were looking into other cases in their jurisdiction involving Melady.
The sheriff's office said the video "explicitly" showed Melady assaulting a woman "while she was clearly unconscious" as she was being taken to a Palm Coast hospital on Oct. 17, 2021.
The victim was unaware of the assault until detectives notified her, according to the sheriff's office.
Investigators obtained an arrest warrant for Melady Wednesday on charges of sexual battery on a helpless person and video voyeurism on a victim 19 years old or older.
Melady was arrested in Volusia County, where he is being held on no bond. He retired from Flagler County Fire Rescue earlier this year.
Flagler County detectives interviewed Melady, who confessed to the alleged crimes.
“It’s unfathomable to me what this predator did to an unconscious victim while on duty while being entrusted to provide proper emergency medical care but instead sexually assault her,” said Sheriff Rick Staly. “It is likely there are other victims of his disgusting behavior.”
Anyone who believes they may be a victim of Melady or have information on this care or others is asked to contact the Flagler County Sheriff's Office's non-emergency number at 386-313-4911 or email TIPS@flaglersheriff.com