FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. – Additional charges have been filed against James Melady, a former Flagler County Fire Rescue employee who was arrested in September 2024 and accused of sexually battering an unconscious victim in an ambulance, the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office announced Thursday.
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During the investigation, detectives said they found that Melady had defrauded multiple victims by stealing their credit cards and identification while performing his official duties as a paramedic.
Detective John Castanheira led the investigation, which alleges that Melady stole debit cards and personal identification information from victims who suffered medical emergencies and used them to make fraudulent purchases. In total, three victims were identified during the investigation.
In one instance, FCFR was dispatched to an emergency in which a 92-year-old victim had fallen and required transportation to the hospital. During the incident, the victim’s purse was given to Melady to bring to the hospital. Prior to returning the purse to the victim at the hospital, investigators said Melady stole the victim’s debit card. Several days later, Melady is accused of using the debit card without the victim’s knowledge to make two purchases at Sam’s Club in Daytona Beach totaling $715.
Following the investigation, detectives obtained an arrest warrant. Melady, who was already being held in the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility from his September 2024 arrest, 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. He is being held without bond due to his prior arrest.
“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.”
The investigation is still ongoing. Anyone who was transported in an FCFR ambulance and then noticed unusual purchases on their credit card bills or debit bank account are encouraged to contact the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office by calling 386-313-4911 or emailing TIPS@flaglersheriff.com.
