On September 6, the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office Major Case Unit was contacted by the Daytona Beach Police Department Major Case Unit regarding an investigation into a former Flagler County Fire Rescue employee, James Melady, 37, of Daytona Beach. DBPD advised while investigating Melady on cases in their jurisdiction, a video was discovered of Melady molesting an unconscious female in Flagler County while on duty and in uniform while performing his official duties.
FCSO Master Detective Darrell Butler was assigned the investigation and began working with DBPD to investigate the case. Through investigative means, MD Butler identified the victim as a former resident of Flagler Beach and learned that Flagler County Fire Rescue had been called to her residence on October 17, 2021. The incident occurred in the patient transport area of a Flagler County Fire Rescue ambulance while the victim was being transported to a hospital in Palm Coast.
FCSO Major Case Unit detectives met with DBPD detectives to review the video, which explicitly showed the suspect violating the victim while she was unconscious. Detectives met with the victim, who was completely unaware of being attacked by Melady.
On September 11, MD Butler obtained an arrest warrant for Melady on one count of Sexual Battery on a Helpless Person and one count of Video Voyeurism on a Victim 19 Years Old or Older.
Major Case Unit detectives coordinated with the DBPD to locate and arrest Melady in their jurisdiction. Major Case Unit detectives also interviewed Melady, who confessed to his crimes and told detectives he retired from Flagler County Fire Rescue earlier this year. Melady was arrested on the warrant by DBPD and is being held in the Volusia County Jail under no bond.
James Tyler Melady (Volusia Co. Jail Mugshot)
“It’s unfathomable to me what this predator did to an unconscious victim while on duty while being entrusted to provide proper emergency medical care but instead sexually assaulted her,” said Sheriff Rick Staly. “I’m thankful we quickly got him off the street and in jail where he belongs. I also commend our Major Case Unit for their tireless effort to catch predators like this and for working closely with our partners at the Daytona Beach Police Department to bring this pervert to justice. There are likely other victims of his disgusting behavior.”
If you believe you may have been a victim of Melady or have information on this case or other victims, call the Flagler County Sheriff’s non-emergency line at 386-313-4911 or emailTIPS@flaglersheriff.com.
