Latest news with #Melady
Yahoo
07-03-2025
- Yahoo
Ex-Florida paramedic accused of sexually battering woman in ambulance, now facing fraud charges: officials
The Brief James Melady, an ex-Florida first responder, who was previously arrested for sexually battering an unconscious woman in the back of an ambulance last year, is now facing new fraud charges, authorities announced Thursday. Melady now faces additional charges of fraudulent use of personal identification without consent and unlawful possession of a stolen credit card. FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. - A former Florida first responder, previously arrested for sexually battering an unconscious woman in the back of an ambulance last year, is now facing additional fraud charges, authorities announced Thursday. James Melady, who was already being held without bond in the Flagler County jail from his September 2024 case, was rearrested on a warrant for fraudulent use of personal identification without consent and unlawful possession of a stolen credit card, according to the Flagler County Sheriff's Office. The backstory Melady is a former Flagler County Fire Rescue employee who was arrested in September 2024, for allegedly sexually assaulting an unconscious victim in an ambulance that he was supposed to be transporting to a local hospital. Authorities said he was under investigation by the Daytona Beach Police Department for alleged sexual offenses, and retired from his paramedic duties with Flagler County Fire Rescue earlier that year. During that investigation, detectives found two video clips on a cell phone that allegedly showed Melady assaulting the unconscious woman inside an ambulance, authorities said. Daytona Beach Police then contacted the Flagler County Sheriff's Office. Detectives met with the woman, "who was completely unaware of being attacked," the sheriff's office said. New details On Thursday, deputies revealed that during their investigation, detectives determined Melady had defrauded multiple victims by stealing their credit cards and identification while performing his duties as a paramedic. The lead detective found that Melady stole debit cards and personal information from victims who were experiencing medical emergencies and used them to make fraudulent purchases. Three victims were identified in total, including a 92-year-old woman who had fallen and needed transportation to a local hospital. In that incident, investigators said the woman's purse was given to Melady to bring to the hospital. However, before returning it, he allegedly took her debit card without her knowledge and made two purchases, totaling over $700, at Sam's Club in Daytona Beach, authorities said. What they're saying The Flagler County Administration released the following statement on Friday regarding Melady's additional charges: "Flagler County has been made aware of the criminal charges filed against a former employee who previously served as a Firefighter/Paramedic with our organization. These charges, which involve allegations of fraudulent use of a credit card belonging to an elderly patient under their care, stem from an incident that occurred while the individual was employed with us. We take these allegations seriously and are cooperating fully with the Flagler County Sheriff's Office as they conduct their investigation. Our organization is committed to the highest standards of ethical conduct and public trust. The actions of any one individual do not reflect the integrity and dedication of the hardworking members of our team who serve our community with professionalism and compassion every day." STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 35 ORLANDO: Download the FOX Local app for breaking news alerts, the latest news headlines Download the FOX 35 Storm Team Weather app for weather alerts & radar Sign up for FOX 35's daily newsletter for the latest morning headlines FOX Local:Stream FOX 35 newscasts, FOX 35 News+, Central Florida Eats on your smart TV The Source This story was written based on information shared by the Flagler County Sheriff's Office on March 6, 2025. The Flagler County Administration provided a statement regarding the new fraud charges on March 7, 2025.
Yahoo
07-03-2025
- Yahoo
Former Flagler paramedic arrested for molesting unconscious patient faces new charges
Additional charges have been filed against a former Flagler County Fire Rescue employee following an investigation. Action News Jax told you in September when James Melady was arrested for sexually battering an unconscious victim in an ambulance. Now, the Flagler County Sheriff's Office believes Melady also defrauded multiple people while on-duty as a paramedic. Through its investigation, the Sheriff's Office said Thursday that Melady had stolen credit cards and I.D.s from at least three different victims who were having medical emergencies. The stolen items were used to make fraudulent purchases, according to officials. In a release Thursday, the Flagler County Sheriff's Office detailed one of Melady's supposed crimes. Officials claim that Melady was on the job responding to a 92-year-old person who had fallen and needed to go to the emergency room. During the incident, officials say Melady was given the victim's purse for safe-keeping - but ended up stealing their credit card. Several days later, the card was used to make two purchases at a Sam's Club in Daytona Beach totaling more that $700. While being held in the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility for sexual battery, Melady was rearrested 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. The charges were added to his inmate page on February 19th, 2025. He is being held without bond. Read: Jacksonville substitute teacher at Tiger Academy YMCA arrested, charged with child abuse 'After a thorough investigation by our General Assignment Unit and our partners at the State Attorney's Office, it turns out that not only is this person a predator and a pervert, but he's also a thief,' said Sheriff Rick Staly. 'He continually violated his oath and used his position as a first responder to take advantage of victims. He's in the Green Roof Inn, and he'll stay there until he goes to state prison, where he belongs.' [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] This is still an ongoing investigation, and deputies believe there may have been more victims. Anyone who was transported in a Flagler ambulance and then noticed unusual purchases on their cards is encouraged to contact the Sheriff's Office. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.
