BUNNELL, Fla — On Thursday, a Flagler County jury convicted a former paramedic of rape, as announced by the State Attorney’s Office for the Seventh Judicial Circuit.

As detailed in a report from the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, on October 17, 2021, 37-year-old James Tyler Melady was on duty when he responded to an emergency involving an “unresponsive and intoxicated” woman who was subsequently taken to a nearby hospital.

The Daytona Beach Police Department, while probing another potential crime, uncovered two videos showing Melady setting up a recording device and committing the acts during his official duties. The footage was reportedly obtained as part of their investigation.

Authorities noted that the videos clearly displayed Melady’s face and depicted him dressed in a fire department uniform.

Melady was arrested on Sept. 11, 2024.

While his sentencing will be announced at a later date, Melady faces up to 15 years in prison.

“The defendant not only abused our victim – he abused the position he held as a first responder,” State Attorney R.J. Larizza said. “His sentence should reflect the damage he did to our victim and to the profession he shamed.”