FLAGLER COUNTY, FL – An unsettling incident has emerged in Florida, where a former first responder is now facing serious charges. James Tyler Melady, 37, is accused of sexually assaulting an unconscious woman he was meant to be transporting to the hospital while in the back of an ambulance. The concerning allegations have led to his arrest by the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office on Tuesday, where he has been charged with sexual battery on a helpless person and video voyeurism on a victim.
Melady had previously been employed by the Flagler County Fire Rescue but had retired earlier in the year. He had already been under investigation for alleged sexual misdemeanors by the Daytona Beach Police Department when incriminating evidence was discovered. Two video clips were found on a cell phone, showing Melady purportedly assaulting the unconscious woman in the confined space of the ambulance. After discovering the footage, Daytona Beach Police then notified the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office.
Detectives from both police departments evaluated the footage. It graphically depicted Melady violating the woman while she was visibly unconscious in the back of the ambulance. Detectives subsequently reached out to the victim, who was reportedly shocked, having no memory of the assault occurring.
It all started on Oct. 17, 2021, when the Flagler County Fire Rescue was dispatched to a home in response to a report of an intoxicated and unconscious woman. The team decided to transport her to the hospital, during which Melady allegedly committed the sexual assault. The video clips allegedly show Melady adjusting the camera/recording device and even capturing his face clearly. He is also identifiable in the footage from his official fire department uniform.
Upon his arrest this week, Melady reportedly confessed to the crimes.