Local Disbarred Attorney Pleads Guilty to Multiple Charges Including Unauthorized Practice of Law and Grand Theft by False Pretenses

SALINAS, California- Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced on Wednesday, August 26 that Gabriel Gerardo Castillo, a local disbarred attorney, pled guilty to 12 felony counts which included two counts of failure to comply with a Supreme Court Order per Rule 9.20, five counts of unauthorized practice of law, and five counts of grand theft by false pretenses. Castillo was admitted to practice law in the State of California on June 9, 2008. He opened a law practice in Salinas, where he practiced immigration law and criminal defense. After an investigation by the State Bar, the California Supreme Court ordered a 90-day suspension of Castillo’s law license and ordered him to not practice law during this period. The suspension began on October 15, 2016. The Board of Immigration Appeals (“BIA”) ordered a reciprocal 90-day suspension prohibiting Mr. Castillo from practicing immigration law before the BIA, Immigration Courts, and the Department of Homeland Security. This suspension began on November 22, 2016. On May 22, 2017, the BIA ordered an additional 90-day suspension. Castillo continued to take on new clients for pay during his suspensions. On December 19, 2017, the State Bar designated Castillo as “Not Eligible to Practice Law.” On February 9, 2018, he was ordered “Inactive.” Ultimately, he was formally disbarred from the State Bar on November 17, 2018. Despite being designated as not eligible to practice law, Castillo continued to take on new clients for pay. After taking on these clients he failed to perform any of the legal services he had promised them and never returned any of their money. Castillo also orchestrated a rental scam in which he advertised his former home to potential renters. He falsely advertised that he was the owner of the property and it was available for rent. He then took security deposits from the potential renters despite not owning the home or having permission to rent out the property. The victims never received the security deposits back. This case was investigated by District Attorney Investigators John Ferreria and Alicia Cox as well as the Salinas and Greenfield Police Departments. Castillo will be sentenced on November 4, 2020 by the Honorable Andrew G. Liu to 10 years 4 months in jail pursuant to Penal Code section 1170(h). He will serve three years in actual custody and the remaining seven years four months on mandatory supervision.

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Lake San Antonio Closed Due to Large Scale Fish Die Off; Number of Fish Impacted is Increasing and Reason for Die Off Remains Unknown

July 9, 2024- Out of abundance of caution for public health, County of Monterey Parks is closing the Lake San Antonio facility due to a large-scale fish die off from an unknown cause. On July 5, 2024, Parks staff noticed that dead baitfish, mostly shad, began washing up on the shore around Lake San Antonio and immediately contacted California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) to report the situation. At that time, the CDFW fisheries biologist stated the fish die off was most likely due to the high temperatures and low dissolved oxygen level in the water and that the situation most likely did not present a risk to the public. Parks staff also contacted the Water Resources Agency (WRA), State Water Resources Control Board and Environmental Health Bureau. Unfortunately, the fish die off has continued with larger species such as bass, catfish, crappie, carp, and trout being impacted. Attached photos include a 3–4-pound bass. CDFW, WRA and EHB are working together to try to determi

Suspect Vehicle in King City Quadruple Homicide on March 3 Has Been Located

The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office, on behalf of the King City Police Department is informing the community that the suspect vehicle involved in a quadruple homicide that occurred Sunday, March 3 on the 200 block of North Second Street in King City, has been located and recovered. The vehicle was located in an unincorporated area of South Monterey County. The King City Police Department is receiving assistance from multiple local and federal law enforcement partners in this investigation. Based on the nature of this investigation, no further details regarding the recovery of this vehicle are being released at this time. The Monterey County Sheriff's Office and the King City PD are asking the community for their assistance in reporting any information they may know regarding this incident which tragically left 4 people dead and 7 people injured, two with critical injuries. Information can be provided by contacting the following: King City Detective Sergeant Josh Partida 831-3

Attempted Homicide Shooting Incident in King City on September 29

The King City Police Department received a report of gunshots heard in the area of the 600 block of Sycamore Street at around 1 am on Sunday, September 29. While enroute, the King City PD was advised that 2 victims were transported to Mee Memorial Hospital by private vehicle to be treated for gunshot wounds. Upon arrival, officers were told that a single unknown suspect opened the gate to a fenced yard and fired 10 rounds into a crowd attending a party. 2 individuals were struck by the gunfire, after-which the suspect fled on foot. The suspect was described as wearing a dark colored hoodie and pants. The 2 victims are a 16-year-old juvenile male who was shot 3 times and an 18-year-old male who was shot 1 time. Both victims were transported to Natividad Hospital from Mee Memorial and are currently listed in stable condition. Detectives from the King City Police Department are currently working the investigation with assistance from the Greenfield Police Department Crime Scene Unit

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