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A now-former paramedic in Florida is set to go to trial this week on allegations he molested an unconscious woman in an ambulance and committed credit card-related fraud offenses

James Melady, 38, was arrested in September 2024 after a police investigation found a video of the alleged October 2021 incident

“He continually violated his oath and used his position as a first responder to take advantage of victims," Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staley said

A now-former paramedic accused of molesting an unconscious woman in an ambulance — and recording it on video — is set to go to trial this month.

James Melady, of Daytona Beach, Fla., was arrested in September 2024 on one count of sexual battery on a helpless person and one count of video voyeurism on a victim 19 years old or older, the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office said in a press release at the time.

According to the sheriff’s office, the alleged incident occurred in October 2021 while the victim was being taken to a hospital in an ambulance after Flagler County Fire Rescue was called to her home.

Daytona Beach police were investigating Melady, a now-former paramedic with Flagler County Fire Rescue, on unrelated cases when the video was uncovered. The footage allegedly shows Melady molesting an unconscious woman while he was on duty and in uniform, the release said.

Investigators then spoke with the victim, who said she was completely unaware of the alleged attack by Melady. He was subsequently arrested.

Flagler County Fire Rescue/Facebook

Flagler County Fire Rescue ambulance.

In March 2025, Melady, 38, was charged with additional offenses after investigators learned he also allegedly "defrauded multiple victims by stealing their credit cards and identification" while on duty, according to a separate sheriff’s office statement.

Authorities alleged Melady stole debit cards and personal identification information from patients experiencing medical emergencies, then used the stolen information to make fraudulent purchases — one of which included a $715 purchase at Sam’s Club.

Investigators ultimately identified three victims in the case, per the statement.

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“He continually violated his oath and used his position as a first responder to take advantage of victims," Sheriff Rick Staley said.

Melady has also been charged with fraudulent use of personal identification without consent of a victim 60 years of age or older and unlawful possession of a stolen credit card.

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Online court records show Melady has pleaded not guilty to all charges and WESH reported that jury selection began in the case on Monday, Dec. 8. PEOPLE has contacted Melady’s attorney for comment but did not immediately hear back.

If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, please contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or go to rainn.org.

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