Florida Paramedic Sentenced to 10 Years for Assaulting Patient in Ambulance

FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. — A former paramedic from Flagler County Fire Rescue was sentenced on Monday for sexually assaulting an unconscious patient in the back of an ambulance.

James Melady received a 10-year prison sentence, which will be followed by five years of probation. Additionally, he must register as a sex offender as part of his punishment.

In December, a jury in Flagler County found Melady guilty of committing sexual battery on a person who was 18 years or older during the 2021 incident.

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“The defendant was a first responder who violated the trust placed in him by assaulting an unconscious patient instead of providing the necessary medical care,” said State Attorney R.J. Larizza following the sentencing. “His actions were abhorrent and deserving of the maximum penalty allowed by law.”

Melady was also accused of video voyeurism, but the jury found him not guilty of that charge.

Authorities said Melady also has other charges pending in two unrelated cases, one in Flagler County and the other in Volusia County.

Last year, the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office said Melady was accused of stealing patients’ debit cards and making fraudulent purchases with them.

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