Firefighter accused of molesting patient

James MeladyA 37-year-old former Flagler County Firefighter has been charged with molesting an unconscious patient in an ambulance.

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More details on James Melady’s allegations

According to Click onOrlandoMelady is facing charges of “sexual assault on a defenseless person.” The 37-year-old is also accused of “making an obscene video of a victim 19 years of age or older.”

Furthermore, authorities at the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office are reportedly encouraging the public to contact the office if they believe they have been a victim of Melady.

Authorities also ask anyone with information regarding the case to contact the office at 386-313-4911.

Here’s What the Former Firefighter Allegedly Did

According to the source, 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 filmed of the sexual assault.” The clip allegedly shows Melady “molesting” an unconscious patient “in an ambulance while he was on duty in 2021.” According to FlaglerLive.comThe footage appears to have been filmed by Melady and is said to show him “setting up the camera and moving it around during the incident”.

Note, the exact date of the attack is October 17, 2021, according to WESH.

After interviewing the unidentified victim, police learned that the victim had no knowledge of the attack.

Click onOrlando noted that Melady was said to have retired from the fire department “earlier this year.”

What happens next in the James Melady case?

According to FlaglerLive.comMelady’s sexual assault charge carries a penalty of up to 30 years in prison. Additionally, the outlet reported that he is currently being held in the Volusia County Jail on $150,000 bail for the hidden camera charge and “no bail” for the sexual assault charge.

“I cannot understand why this predator would do this to an unconscious victim in the line of duty while being tasked with providing emergency medical care and instead sexually assault her,” Sheriff Rick Staly reportedly said, according to the source. “There are likely other victims of this disgusting behavior.”

BREAKING: Former Flagler County Firefighter James Melady has been arrested after allegedly molesting an unconscious woman while on duty in 2021.

The incident occurred in the ambulance’s patient transport area as the victim was being taken to the hospital. @Sheriff Flagler. pic.twitter.com/PE5vn28rTS

— Pamela Comme (@commepamela) September 12, 2024

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