First responder sexually assaulted unconscious woman in ambulance en route to hospital: Cops

A Florida emergency worker, 37-year-old James Melady, from Daytona Beach, is now behind bars after being accused of sexually assaulting an unconscious woman in his care while on duty.

Melady was arrested following an investigation by the Daytona Beach Police Department’s Major Case Unit and the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office.

The investigation began after separate accusations were made against Melady in Daytona Beach. During that inquiry, police reportedly uncovered a video showing Melady molesting an unconscious woman while he was on duty and in uniform. This discovery led to further investigations in Flagler County, where the alleged assault took place.

According to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, the assault occurred on October 17, 2021, while the victim was being transported to a hospital in Palm Coast in the patient transport area of a Flagler County Fire Rescue ambulance.

Officials said in the arrest report that the video “depicted James (Melady) setting up and moving the camera/recording device throughout the incident and clearly depicted James’ face.”

The video, recorded on a cellphone, explicitly shows Melady violating the unconscious woman.

Investigators were able to identify the woman, a former Flagler Beach resident, who had no memory of the attack. When detectives met with her, she was unaware of what had occurred while she was in Melady’s care.

Melady later confessed to the crime during an interview with detectives, admitting to the assault. He had retired from Flagler County Fire Rescue earlier this year, but his past actions have now led to his arrest.

Volusia County Sheriff Rick Staly expressed outrage over the betrayal of trust, saying, “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. I’m thankful we quickly got him off the street and in jail where he belongs.”

James Melady faces charges of sexual battery on a helpless person and video voyeurism. He is currently being held without bond at the Volusia County Jail.

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Authorities suspect that there may be more victims and are continuing their investigation.