Former California Judge Convicted in Fraud Scheme Appears to Be Practicing Law Again

Israel Claustro reactivated his state law license two days before pleading guilty to felony mail fraud.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 9:55am

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A former Orange County Superior Court judge who resigned from the bench and pleaded guilty to participating in a multimillion-dollar fraud scheme is now working with a law firm in Menifee. Israel Claustro reactivated his state law license two days before he pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of felony mail fraud for his role in defrauding a state workers' compensation program.

Why it matters

This case highlights concerns about repeat offenders and the ability of disgraced public officials to continue practicing law, even after being convicted of serious crimes. It raises questions about the oversight and disciplinary processes of the State Bar of California.

The details

Claustro, a former prosecutor, operated the Rancho Cucamonga-based Liberty Medical Group while working as a judge, in violation of state law. He had a physician with a prior felony health care fraud conviction, Dr. Kevin Tien Do, write up medical claims and evaluations and submit them to the Workers' Compensation Subsequent Injuries Benefits Trust Fund, a state program meant to help injured workers. The state sent more than $3 million to the Liberty Medical Group, with $306,000 going to Do and $1.5 million moved to a management company owned by Claustro.

  • Claustro reactivated his state law license two days before he pleaded guilty on January 12, 2026.
  • Claustro is scheduled to be sentenced on June 26, 2026.

The players

Israel Claustro

A former Orange County Superior Court judge who resigned from the bench and pleaded guilty to participating in a multimillion-dollar fraud scheme, and is now working with a law firm in Menifee.

Dr. Kevin Tien Do

A physician with a practice in Tustin who previously served a year in federal prison for a 2003 felony health care-fraud conviction, and was barred from evaluating applicants to the Workers' Compensation Subsequent Injuries Benefits Trust Fund, but was hired by Claustro to write up medical claims and evaluations.

Todd Spitzer

The Orange County District Attorney, who said Claustro as a prosecutor violated the office's policy, which requires approval of outside employment, a procedure designed to safeguard against conflicts of interest.

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What they’re saying

“Judge Claustro violated the law for his personal financial benefit. We will not hesitate to prosecute anyone — judges included — who defraud public benefits intended to help those in need.”

— Bill Essayli, First Assistant U.S. Attorney

“He betrayed his position of trust as a public servant in the most deceitful way by stealing public benefits from those who needed them the most, and he did so while masquerading as a warrior for truth and justice on behalf of the people of California.”

— Todd Spitzer, Orange County District Attorney

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on June 26, 2026 whether to sentence Claustro to home confinement or prison.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for stronger oversight and disciplinary measures for disgraced public officials, to ensure they are not able to continue practicing law or holding positions of trust after being convicted of serious crimes.