Dr. Jorge Ivan Zeledon, a Sebring physician, is facing an expanding criminal case after multiple women accused him of inappropriate touching during medical encounters.
Zeledon, who owns Kidney and Internal Medicine Specialist of Central Florida, was initially charged in August with 10 counts of misdemeanor battery. In the months since, additional women have come forward, leading investigators to file more charges. Zeledon is now facing 27 counts of battery, including a felony battery charge involving a 76-year-old patient, according to the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office.
Hospital officials have confirmed that Zeledon’s medical staff privileges at HCA Florida Highlands Hospital have been revoked. His next court appearance is scheduled for February 17.
According to media reports and law-enforcement records, at least ten additional cases were opened following Zeledon's arrest in October, as more alleged victims came forward describing similar conduct during medical appointments and other encounters.
Allegations Against Dr. Jorge Zeledon
According to law enforcement and media reports, multiple women alleged that Zeledon engaged in non-consensual sexual touching during medical encounters. The allegations involve both patients and medical staff and span multiple settings, including a hospital and Zeledon’s private medical practice. Investigators allege that the conduct had no legitimate medical purpose and occurred while the women were under Zeledon’s professional authority as a physician.
Facts Alleged in the Arrest Reports
According to the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office and public reports:
- Zeledon was first charged in August with 10 counts of misdemeanor battery after multiple individuals alleged that he slapped nurses on the buttocks while working at HCA Florida Highlands Hospital and another medical facility
- As the investigation continued, additional women reported inappropriate touching during medical examinations
- Investigators subsequently filed 10 more battery charges, including one felony battery count involving a 76-year-old patient
- With further reports, the total number of charges against Zeledon increased to 27 counts of battery
Zeledon operates Kidney and Internal Medicine Specialist of Central Florida, a private medical practice located in Sebring, Florida.
Alleged Pattern of Conduct
Incident reports reviewed by investigators describe a repeated pattern of conduct during medical appointments.
According to the women who came forward, Zeledon allegedly:
- Placed patients alone in exam rooms without a medical assistant present
- Instructed patients to remove their shirts and lie back on the examination table
- Touched or massaged patients’ breasts without medical justification
- Reached under patients’ clothing and disconnected their bras before touching their breasts
- On at least one occasion, made inappropriate sounds during the touching
The women reported that the alleged conduct occurred during routine medical visits and was not related to any legitimate diagnostic or treatment purpose. Many stated they initially believed the touching might be part of a medical examination and did not report it immediately. The patients were reportedly mostly over 40, and many were married.
Physicians Occupy Positions of Trust
When patients seek medical care, they do so in a state of physical and emotional vulnerability. Physicians are entrusted with access to patients’ bodies for legitimate diagnostic and treatment purposes only.
Under Florida law, any sexual contact with a patient is strictly prohibited, and medical examinations must be limited to what is medically necessary and properly explained. Sexual touching under the guise of medical care is unlawful, unethical, and a profound violation of professional duty.
The allegations against Dr. Jorge Zeledon describe repeated abuses of this trust, involving conduct investigators believe was done for personal gratification rather than patient care.
Horowitz Law Is Here to Help
Horowitz Law represents survivors of sexual abuse by doctors and other medical professionals. We have handled cases involving abuse in hospitals, private practices, clinics, and specialty treatment centers. Patients have the right to medical care that is safe, respectful, and free from sexual misconduct.
Horowitz Law has filed numerous sexual assault lawsuits on behalf of patients who were inappropriately touched by doctors and other medical professionals. Under no circumstances is a doctor or nurse permitted to have sexual contact with a patient. If you have been a victim of sexual assault or sexual battery at a medical office or facility, or if you know someone who has, please contact our law firm at 888-283-9922 or email sexual abuse lawyer Adam Horowitz for a free consultation.