A 37-year-old emergency worker from Daytona Beach, Florida, has been arrested following allegations of sexually assaulting an unconscious woman under his care while on duty. The accused, James Melady, was taken into custody on Wednesday, as reported by the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office.
The arrest was the result of an ongoing investigation by the Daytona Beach Police Department’s Major Cause Unit into separate accusations against Melady. The local CW affiliate, WJXT, reported that Melady is also suspected of committing sexual offenses within their jurisdiction.
During the course of the investigation, a video was found that allegedly showed Melady sexually assaulting an unconscious woman in Flagler County while on duty and in uniform. The incident reportedly took place in the patient transport area of a Flagler County Fire Rescue ambulance while the victim was being transported to a hospital in Palm Coast on October 17, 2021.
Investigators from both Daytona Police and Flagler County worked together to identify the victim, a former resident of Flagler Beach. Emergency services had been called to her home on the day of the alleged assault. The video evidence reportedly showed the suspect violating the victim while she was clearly unconscious.
Upon being confronted with the evidence, the victim, who was previously unaware of the assault, met with detectives. According to the sheriff’s office, Melady confessed to the crime during an interview with Major Case Unit detectives. He also revealed that he had retired from Flagler County Fire Rescue earlier this year.
Volusia County Sheriff Rick Staly expressed his shock and disgust at the alleged actions of Melady. He praised the swift action of the investigators in apprehending the suspect and ensuring his incarceration. Authorities are currently investigating the possibility of additional victims.
Melady is facing charges of sexual battery on a helpless person and video voyeurism. He is currently being held without bond in the Volusia County Jail.