Florida paramedic found guilty of sexual battery after unconscious patient is molested in ambulance

FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. (TCN) — A paramedic who recorded himself molesting an unconscious female patient has been found guilty.

On Dec. 10, after five hours of deliberation, a jury found James Melady, 38, guilty of sexual battery against a patient, WOGX reports. 

In September 2024, authorities found video footage of James Melady, 38, allegedly molesting an unconscious woman while treating her in an ambulance on the way to the hospital, according to WKRC.

The video was found during an unrelated investigation, WESH reports. 

Melady was arrested on Sept. 11, 2024, and charged with sexual battery on a helpless person and video voyeurism on a victim 19 years old or older, the outlet reported at the time. The video, recorded on Oct. 17, 2021, allegedly showed Melady in his uniform explicitly violating the patient.

After his arrest, Flagler County Fire Rescue added cameras to the backs of all its ambulances and mandated that two personnel ride in the back when supporting underage patients or those deemed vulnerable, WOGX reports.

On March 6, 2025, the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office announced additional charges against Melady. The investigation found Melady stole debit cards and personal information from patients who had suffered emergencies and used them to make fraudulent purchases. 

Three victims were identified by the investigation, including a 92-year-old who suffered a fall; her purse was given to Melady to bring to the hospital, according to the sheriff’s office. He allegedly stole a debit card from it and spent more than $700 at Sam’s Club several days later.

Melady was arrested for fraudulent use of personal identification without consent of a victim 60 years of age or older and unlawful possession of a stolen credit card, WKRC reports. 

During his trial, Melady took the stand in his own defense, claiming he was performing an exam on the patient, and that he filmed it because he did not have a second paramedic with him and wanted to protect himself.

Melady was found not guilty of the charge of video voyeurism, according to WOGX. A sentencing date has not been scheduled. He faces up to 15 years in prison. 

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