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In a disturbing case that has left the community reeling, a former paramedic from Florida, James Melady, has been sentenced to a decade behind bars. Prosecutors revealed that Melady sexually assaulted an unconscious woman in the back of an ambulance, capturing the heinous act on video.
Upon completing his prison term, Melady, 39, will face an additional five years on probation. Furthermore, he is mandated to register as a sex offender, ensuring close monitoring and restrictions post-incarceration, as reported by FOX35 Orlando.
The severity of Melady’s crime drew a strong rebuke from Florida State Attorney R.J. Larizza, who expressed outrage over the betrayal of trust. “The defendant was a first responder who raped an unconscious patient when he was supposed to be providing her with proper medical care,” Larizza stated with evident disgust. “His crime was disgusting, demented, and deserving of the maximum sentence permissible by law.”
The sentencing of Melady underscores the gravity of his actions and serves as a stark reminder of the responsibilities entrusted to those in emergency medical services. The community and authorities alike hope that this case will lead to increased vigilance and safeguards to prevent any recurrence of such a betrayal.
James Melady, 39, was sentenced to 10 years in prison. He will  be on five years of probation once released and must register as a sex offender. (FOX35 Orlando WOFL)
Melady, who worked for Flagler County Fire Rescue, was accused of sexually battering an unconscious patient while transporting her to a hospital in October 2021. Investigators said detectives with the Daytona Beach Police Department later found two video clips on Melady’s cellphone allegedly showing him assaulting the woman inside the ambulance.
James Melady, 39, was accused of sexually assaulted an unconscious woman in the back of an ambulance and filming the attack. (Flagler County Sheriff’s Office)
Melady claimed he was conducting a medical examination when he filmed himself touching the patient’s genitals, authorities said.
The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office said detectives later interviewed the victim, who was “completely unaware of being attacked.”
State Attorney R.J. Larizza condemned Melady’s actions as “disgusting, demented, and deserving of the maximum sentence permissible by law.” (FOX35 Orlando WOFL)
A jury found Melady guilty of sexual battery by a person 18 years or older, though he was acquitted of a separate charge of video voyeurism.
Melady also faces two unrelated theft cases that are pending in Flagler and Volusia counties. Prosecutors allege he stole credit cards and personal identification from patients during medical calls and used the information to make fraudulent purchases.