VERO BEACH — A Vero Beach doctor was sentenced Monday to one year in jail after he was convicted of battery in a case that drew complaints of inappropriate touching and comments from patients and staff spanning more than a decade.
Dr. Christopher Olenek, 63, faced allegations involving nine reported incidents dating back to 2011, the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office said. He was arrested in 2025 on a misdemeanor charge of battery by touch or strike.
At least eight victims came forward with accounts of troubling encounters in his office, including inappropriate requests and remarks, authorities said. Due to the statute of limitations, earlier cases were treated as a single misdemeanor charge.
Sheriff Eric Flowers voiced concern about the long history of complaints.
“For us to have somebody who has eight prior cases and a ninth one that just happened is very problematic,” Flowers said. “We believe there are likely dozens of victims out there who have experienced similar episodes at his office.”
Olenek, a longtime physician trusted by many in the community, owned East Side Urgent Care. Detectives built the case after reports of inappropriate touching involving both patients and staff.
The sentencing follows his conviction on the battery charge. He was a well-known figure in Vero Beach before the allegations surfaced publicly.
Authorities encouraged additional victims to come forward. No further charges were immediately announced.