A former EMS rescue squad worker has been charged with molesting an unconscious woman in the back of an ambulance, according to police reports.
On September 6, the Daytona Beach police reached out to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office in Florida regarding an investigation involving James Melady, a 37-year-old former employee of Flagler County Fire Rescue.
Authorities reported discovering footage of Mealdy allegedly assaulting an unconscious 19-year-old woman while in uniform, as stated by the sheriff’s office.
Sheriff’s detectives reviewed the case and discovered that rescue squads were dispatched to the woman’s residence on October 17, 2021.
A woman was transported to the hospital, where the reported incident of molestation occurred in the ambulance during the journey.
Footage captured the event, including Melady preparing and adjusting a camera to document his actions, as stated in an arrest warrant acquired by the Palm Beach Observer.
According to the sheriff’s office, detectives spoke with the woman, who was unaware of the attack.
This week, authorities took Melady into custody, charging him with sexual battery against a vulnerable individual and video voyeurism involving a victim aged 19 or older.
Melady remains in custody with no possibility of bail.
“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,” Sheriff Rick Staly said. “I’m thankful we quickly got him off the street and in jail where he belongs. I also commend our Major Case Unit for their tireless effort to catch predators like this, and for working closely with our partners at the Daytona Beach Police Department to bring this pervert to justice. It is likely there are other victims of his disgusting behavior.”
