Already-Jailed Former Fire Employee Charged with Credit Card Fraud

James Melady, a 38-year-old former employee of Flagler County Fire Rescue, has been charged with additional crimes on top of the ones that already landed him in jail back in September. Melady was accused last year of committing sexual battery on a woman while she was unconscious in an ambulance in 2021. As the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office and State Attorney’s Office have investigated Melady, they reportedly found that he’d also stolen debit cards and sensitive information from patients who were in the midst of medical emergencies. The FCSO stated that three victims have been identified, one of whom was a 92-year-old fall victim. Melady is said to have stolen her debit card to make $715.38 in fraudulent purchases at Sam’s Club after he was tasked with bringing her purse to the hospital. “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 [county jail], and he’ll stay there until he goes to state prison, where he belongs.” Melady was served with another arrest warrant while he was already in custody at the county jail, charging him with personal ID fraud on a victim over 60 and unlawful possession of a stolen credit card. The FCSO is still investigating Melady and anyone who thinks they may have been defrauded by him are asked to call (386) 313-4911 or email tips@flaglersheriff.com.