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James Melady, a 37-year-old former Flagler County Fire Rescue employee, has been accused of molesting an unconscious patient in an ambulance.
According to ClickOrlando, Melady is facing charges of “sexual battery on a helpless person.” Additionally, the 37-year-old has reportedly been charged with “video voyeurism on a victim 19 years or older.”
Furthermore, authorities at the Flagler County Sheriffs Office are reportedly encouraging the public to contact the office if they believe they have been a victim of Melady’s.
Authorities are also asking those with information related to the case to contact the office at 386-313-4911.
According to the outlet, Flagler County authorities arrested Melady on Wednesday, September 11. They reportedly learned of his alleged actions through a separate case being investigated by Daytona Beach police.
Furthermore, authorities reportedly discovered “a video they say Melady took of the sexual attack.” The clip reportedly shows Melady “molesting” an unconscious patient “in an ambulance while he was on duty back in 2021.” According to FlaglerLive.com, the footage appeared to have been taken by Melady and reportedly showed him “setting up the camera and moving it during the incident.”
To note, the exact date of the attack was October 17, 2021, per WESH.
After interviewing the unidentified victim, cops reportedly learned that they were unaware of the attack.
ClickOrlando notes that Melady reportedly retired from the fire rescue team “earlier this year. ”
According to FlaglerLive.com, Melady’s sexual battery charge is “punishable by up to 30 years in prison.” Additionally, the outlet reports that he is currently being held at the Volusia County jail on a $150,000 bond for his video voyeurism charge and “no bond” for the sexual battery charge.
“Its 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 reportedly stated, per the outlet. “It is likely there are other victims of his disgusting behavior.”
