Five women have filed a civil lawsuit against Sebring physician Dr. Jorge Zeledon, accusing him of inappropriate and non-consensual sexual touching during medical exams. The suit, filed in Highlands County, also names his wife and their practice as defendants, alleging they failed to protect patients. Zeledon was previously arrested by the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office and now faces multiple battery charges, including a felony involving a senior citizen. He has pleaded not guilty. The women are seeking damages and requesting a jury trial. His next court hearing is scheduled for May 19.
An Avon Park woman was arrested Monday after a traffic stop on Interstate 4 in Davenport. According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, deputies pulled over 39-year-old Mary Josie Martinez near Mile Marker 52. Martinez reportedly admitted she knew her license was suspended due to unpaid fines; despite telling deputies she was just heading to the store — about 45 miles from home. Authorities confirmed her license had been canceled last month. She was taken into custody and charged with Driving While License Suspended or Revoked.
A Highlands County judge sentenced Britney Lee Andrus to life in prison yesterday for the 2020 murder of 88-year-old James Little. Prosecutors say Andrus, who lived in an apartment connected to Little’s Sebring home, broke in multiple times with a co-defendant before the deadly attack. Deputies responded to a 911 call on October 22, 2020, where Andrus claimed she found Little badly beaten. He died five days later. Detectives with the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office later uncovered evidence contradicting her account and linking her to the crime.
A Lakeland house cleaner is facing arrest for the third time in less than a month, accused of stealing thousands of dollars in jewelry from clients. According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, 31-year-old Ashley Hernandez was taken into custody March 2nd after another victim came forward. Deputies say Hernandez pawned stolen items, including a $2,500 gold ring, at Quick Cash Liquidators, completing multiple fraudulent transactions. She now faces charges including grand theft and dealing in stolen property. Sheriff Grady Judd warns there may be additional victims and urges anyone affected to contact authorities.