Image source: Dr. Jorge Zeledon, courtesy of the Highlands News-Sun.
Highlands County physician Dr. Jorge Ivan Zeledon, MD, has been charged with ten counts of battery after multiple women came forward with reports of inappropriate and unwanted physical contact.
According to three warrant affidavits filed by the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office, the misconduct occurred in several different settings: HCA Hospital, Kidney and Internal Medicine Specialist of Central Florida (his office), and Highland Home Therapy.
Multiple Victims, Multiple Settings
According to one warrant affidavit, the reports against Zeledon involve “similar allegations of inappropriate touching of women’s breasts and buttocks.”
One affidavit details the account of a nurse at HCA Florida Highlands Hospital in Sebring, Florida, where Zeledon had practice rights.
The nurse reported being slapped on the buttocks or grabbed by the doctor on at least eight separate occasions from April 2024 to November 2024.
According to the warrant affidavit, “[The victim] swore that over the course of these seven months Dr. Zeledon repeatedly slapped [redacted] and on one occasion grabbed her [redacted]. [The victim] swore that Dr. Zeledon’s actions were intentional and against her will. [The victim] described all the incidents as Dr. Zeledon [redacted] over her clothing.”
A witness confirmed seeing Dr. Zeledon smack the victim on one occasion. When asked about the incident afterward, the victim explained that she “believed Dr. Zeledon was of an older generation and probably believed that type of behavior was acceptable.”
The nurse reported the incidents to the hospital’s human resources department but initially chose not to pursue criminal charges, fearing she could lose her job. In April 2025, after law enforcement had been assigned two other investigations involving Zeledon, she agreed to move forward with the prosecution.
HCA Florida Highlands Hospital has stated that Zeledon’s right to work at their hospital has been removed. (Highlands News-Sun)
Another affidavit describes an encounter at Zeledon’s practice, Kidney and Internal Medicine Specialist of Central Florida. In December 2024, a patient suffering from kidney disease reported that during an appointment there, Zeledon “ran his hand under [her] bra line,” exposed her upper body, and squeezed her. She told investigators this part of the exam was inappropriate, unrelated to her kidney care, and entirely against her will.
A third affidavit documents the experience of an employee at Highland Home Therapy. She reported that while she was alone in the building with Dr. Zeledon in July 2024, he “slapped her buttocks with such force that it caused her to suffer from severe pain,” and she “had to lay on the floor for relief.” She initially reported the incident to her company’s HR department, not realizing at the time that what she had experienced was a criminal offense.
These affidavits reflect a disturbing pattern of conduct across multiple settings.
In addition to the official complaints, a recent review on the Kidney and Internal Medicine Specialist of Central Florida’s Google Business Profile accused Zeledon of misconduct. The reviewer alleged that he groped her from behind after an appointment and sexually assaulted her. While online reviews are not part of the criminal record, this public account adds to the concerns surrounding Dr. Zeledon’s behavior.
From Public Promises to Criminal Charges
When Zeledon first opened his private practice in Sebring, he told the Highlands News-Sun that his business prided itself on delivering “a safe, personalized, multicultural and preventative health service” for patients and their families. He explained, “We are bilingual (Spanish and English) and we care about our patients.”
Now, Dr. Jorge Ivan Zeledon is facing multiple criminal charges. He has pleaded not guilty, and neither he nor his attorney have provided public comment regarding the allegations.
Sheriff’s Office Seeking Victims and Witnesses
The Highlands County Sheriff’s Office Special Victims Unit “are trying to determine if there are more victims or potential witnesses.” At least one additional victim has already been identified during the course of the investigation. Sheriff Paul Blackman has urged anyone with information to contact the Special Victims Unit at 863-402-7357, email detectives@highlandssheriff.org, or leave a tip anonymously through the HCSO app.
Institutional Responsibility and Liability
Despite the pending criminal charges, the Florida Department of Health records show that Zeledon still holds an active medical license.
He is listed as holding staff privileges at Highlands Regional Medical Center (which has since removed his rights), AdventHealth Winter Park, and Florida Hospital-Lake Placid.
Public profiles also list him as being affiliated with Fresenius Kidney Care Wauchula, Adventhealth Sebring, and DeSoto Memorial Hospital.
If you experienced abuse by Dr. Zeledon, civil law may provide a path to justice. Civil claims may be pursued against hospitals, clinics, or employers that ignored warning signs and failed to take reasonable steps to protect patients from harm. These institutions have a duty to safeguard those in their care, and when they fail, they can be held accountable in civil court.
Confidential Legal Support
At Andreozzi + Foote, we have decades of experience representing survivors of sexual abuse by trusted professionals, including doctors and healthcare providers.
We recognize how difficult it can be to come forward, especially when the abuse involved someone who was supposed to provide care. Our trauma-informed attorneys are here to listen and guide you through your options with compassion and clarity.
If you or someone you love was harmed by Dr. Jorge Ivan Zeledon, please reach out to us. All consultations are free and confidential.
You do not have to face this alone — help is available, and justice is possible.
