"An Orange County judge resigned Wednesday and declared his intent to plead guilty next week to defrauding a state fund out of thousands of dollars. Israel Claustro, 50, who touted his ability to help "foster trust in the American justice system" during his 2022 judicial campaign, agreed to plead guilty to one count of mail fraud at his next court date Monday in U.S. Central District Court in Santa Ana."
"Claustro founded a medical corporation, Liberty Medical Group of Rancho Cucamonga, in November 2015 even though he had no formal medical background, according to the plea agreement. California law requires owners of medical corporations to be licensed in medicine or a related field. The following April, he opened a business bank account with Kevin Tien Do, a doctor, employee and part"
An Orange County judge resigned and agreed to plead guilty to one count of mail fraud for defrauding a state fund out of thousands of dollars. The judge, Israel Claustro, 50, had campaigned in 2022 promoting his ability to foster trust in the justice system. The U.S. attorney stated Claustro violated the law for personal financial benefit and emphasized prosecution of judges who defraud public benefits. Claustro's lawyer said he takes responsibility, cooperated, and voluntarily resigned. The plea agreement requests home confinement; the offense carries a statutory maximum of 20 years and substantial fines. Claustro founded Liberty Medical Group in 2015 despite lacking a formal medical background, and California law requires licensed owners for medical corporations.
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