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.