Orange Co. physician accused of touching patients inappropriately takes plea deal

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — An Orange County osteopathic physician who was accused by more than a dozen female patients of touching them inappropriately has finally put an end to his 10-year criminal case.

Dr. Regan Burke entered a no contest plea Tuesday morning in his last two battery cases.

Channel 9's Kathi Belich has been covering the case since 2006. She spoke to Burke as he left court.

"Do you have anything to say to the women who accused you?" Belich asked.

"I want to get on with my life. Please leave me alone. That's what I have to say," said Burke.

The first of more than a dozen patients surfaced 10 years ago, accusing Burke of battery.

One woman testified Burke touched her breast implants because he was curious.

This is what he said about it on the witness stand in 2007.

"I don't remember exactly what I said, but I told her I wanted to check them out," Burke said on the witness stand in 2007. "I asked her before I did it if it was OK, and she allowed me to."

On Tuesday, Burke pleaded to disorderly conduct, a second-degree misdemeanor.

Belich asked WFTV legal analyst Bill Sheaffer how both sides came up with the plea.

"At first blush, it sounds weird, but any act that affects public decency or morals fits within the statute, and certainly it is a lesser charge than battery," said Sheaffer. "This may be the last hurdle for the doctor to clear in order to get all of his privileges restored, but he may not be successful without some conditions."

Years ago, Burke pleaded no contest to some of his charges. The state medicine board barred him from treating women and required supervision and counseling.

The women who testified against Burke in the past did not testify against him Tuesday.

Burke did not say whether he intends to have his state medical license reinstated.

WFTV