Image sources: Mugshot of the accused, Dr. Christopher David Olenek, courtesy of the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office. East Side Urgent Care, the practice Olenek owns, © Google, via Google Maps.
Dr. Olenek Arrested After Job Applicant Reports Inappropriate Touching
Vero Beach physician Dr. Christopher David Olenek, longtime owner of East Side Urgent Care, was arrested on November 13, 2025, by the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office after a job applicant reported that he touched her inappropriately during a July 1, 2025, “job shadowing” session. He was charged with misdemeanor battery.
According to the statement of probable cause, the victim had applied for a position at the urgent care and was invited to shadow Olenek for hands-on training. During an electrocardiogram (EKG) demonstration, Olenek allegedly instructed her to remove her shirt and bra and provided her with a small covering that did not adequately cover her.
According to the victim, “while placing the electrodes upon her chest,” Dr. Olenek touched her breasts and then passed “the action off as if it were necessary for instruction.” He began making remarks that made her feel uncomfortable, exposed her breasts while removing the electrodes, “stating, ‘oops, my bad,’” and continued to touch her inappropriately.
Afterwards, Dr. Olenek performed an EKG on a patient “much differently” than he had performed the EKG upon her,” as the “patient remained completely covered during the entire procedure.”
The incident escalated when Olenek removed his own shirt, asked her to touch his chest, made more advances toward her, and then reached into her pants without her consent. The woman told investigators that during the incident, she froze, felt unable to move, and left feeling traumatized.
Eight Prior Investigations Since 2011
According to the probable cause statement, “since May of 2011 there have been 8 reported accusations of sexual harassment and/or battery towards women by Dr. Olenek.”
Sheriff Eric Flowers announced Olenek’s arrest at a press conference on November 14, noting the eight prior investigations involving similar allegations from former patients and employees.
These victims described unnecessary and inappropriate physical contact and fondling during medical examinations, inappropriate questions, and crude sexual comments. Olenek even allegedly attempted to have one patient touch his crotch area.
One former employee reported that Dr. Olenek sexually harassed her on multiple occasions. One time, she was called into Dr. Olenek’s office, where he offered her “a promotion in exchange for leaving her husband to be with him.” When she refused, noting that Olenek was “out his mind,” he blocked the door and would not let her leave.
When questioned, Olenek denied wrongdoing and claimed he was terminating her employment “and that she was lying,” according to the statement of probable cause. The employee “noted that she was aware of three additional employees who [had] quit their jobs due to [his] sexual advances towards them.”
No criminal charges were filed in any of the prior cases. According to the sheriff, the statute of limitations has expired for many of those reports, which means prosecutors are barred from pursuing additional criminal charges for those specific incidents.
Sheriff Flowers described the situation as “very problematic” and “not normal,” emphasizing concern that the reports reflect “a serious pattern of bad behavior.” He noted that it is rare to receive even a single complaint against a physician, and the fact that there were this many investigations suggests there may be dozens of additional victims.
One witness told detectives that “everybody in Vero” knew Olenek “is a creep,” referring specifically to his former employees. Sheriff Flowers urged community members to confirm what they may know, encouraging them to “come forward and tell us that. We need to put that down on paper. We need to hear that from the people in the community who are aware of this situation.”
Detective Sharpetta detailed Olenek’s response, stating, “Dr. Oleneck maintains that what he’s doing is within the normal scope of his duties as a physician…He wouldn’t take ownership of what has happened. He claims that he has no idea why these women would come forward and single him out specifically.”
Watch the full press conference here.
Dr. Olenek’s Pattern of Behavior
Authorities have determined that in the most recent case, Olenek’s actions served no legitimate medical purpose and were nonconsensual.
“A pattern of similar reported accounts since 2011 from multiple other parties suggest that Dr. Christopher Olenek has been perpetrating sexually motivated crimes against women for over a decade without recourse,” investigators wrote.
According to the statement of probable cause, the account from the victim in the current case, along with accounts from two other victims, “show that Dr. Olenek utilizes the confidential nature of a doctor patient relationship to perpetrate his crimes, utilizing an examination room where there are no cameras or witnesses…Each case shows that Dr. Olenek utilizes his profession as a way to justify his inappropriate touching of his victims.”
Twenty Additional Individuals Contact Detectives After the Arrest
TCPalm reports that since Olenek’s arrest was announced, “detectives have heard from at least 20 people, all said to be women, including a juvenile, who reported their encounters with the doctor, said agency officials.” Sheriff Eric Flowers said that his team was “very busy” and will follow up with every complaint.
Authorities encourage anyone who experienced inappropriate behavior at East Side Urgent Care or believes that they may be a victim of Olenek to contact them at 772 569 6700. The Victim Services Unit can be reached at (772) 978-6255.
Dr. Olenek’s Status
After his arrest, Dr. Olenek posted his $5,000 bond and short;y afterward returned to work at his office.
He has been unresponsive to requests for comment, according to multiple news reports.
According to WPTV, “The sheriff’s office said it plans to share all information with the Department of Health and other regulatory agencies that oversee physicians.”
Dr. Olenek has been licensed as an osteopathic physician since March 29, 2000, under the license number OS8113. As of the time of this writing, Dr. Olenek’s medical license remains active, according to the Florida Department of Health. His license is listed as clear and active, with no public complaints, disciplines, or emergency actions found. He will be able to continue to practice until, or if, the board suspends his license.
Court records show that Dr. Olenek is scheduled for an arraignment on December 9, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. before Judge Nicole Menz.
Denial and Minimization Are Common Tactics of Perpetrators
During the investigation, detectives noted that Dr. Olenek denied any wrongdoing. Investigators said he “wouldn’t take ownership” of what multiple women reported and claimed he had no idea why so many individuals had come forward.
This type of denial is a common tactic among perpetrators, particularly those who abuse positions of trust or authority. Sexual abusers often minimize their behavior, shift blame, or dismiss survivors’ accounts in an effort to preserve their own power and avoid consequences. This pattern can deepen the trauma for survivors and make it even harder for them to speak out.
The criminal justice system will ultimately assess the evidence and determine what steps are necessary to protect the community in the case of Dr. Olenek.
However, criminal accountability is only one part of the broader path to justice. The outcomes in the criminal system can vary, but survivors may still have civil options available to them.
Speaking with a trauma-informed attorney can help you understand what those options look like in your specific situation. Civil action can provide a separate avenue for survivors to seek accountability, push for systematic reform, and pursue justice, regardless of whether an abuser ever admits the truth.
Olenek and His Practice May Be Held Civilly Liable
Although East Side Urgent Care is an independent practice, the information documented in the probable cause statement raises serious concerns about civil liability for both Dr. Olenek and his medical office. In many cases, such as Andreozzi and Foote’s recent lawsuit involving Dr. Christopher Davis, a doctor can be sued individually, in addition to the practice or company that employed him.
Medical practices, including those owned by a single provider, have a legal duty to protect patients from foreseeable harm, to respond appropriately to concerns, and to ensure that examinations are conducted safely and professionally. When a provider abuses that trust, both the individual doctor and the practice may be held liable.
The long history of reports involving Dr. Olenek, combined with the circumstances of the July 1 incident, suggests significant failures. Survivors may have the right to pursue civil claims for the harm they suffered, including emotional trauma, boundary violations, and breach of trust.
Andreozzi and Foote Is Investigating Reports Involving Dr. Olenek
Andreozzi + Foote is currently investigating reports involving Dr. Olenek and East Side Urgent Care. Our firm represents survivors of sexual abuse in Florida and nationwide. We have extensive experience with cases involving physicians, medical offices, and healthcare institutions.
We are trauma-informed, survivor-centered, and committed to helping individuals understand their rights and choose the path that feels the most empowering to them.
If you experienced any form of sexual misconduct or abuse during an appointment or in a workplace setting involving Dr. Olenek, help is available.
Your voice deserves to be heard, and our attorneys are ready to listen.
All consultations are free and completely confidential.
Contact us today.
