Orange County judge linked to healthcare fraud scheme with convicted doctor

Israel Claustro, an Orange County judge and former prosecutor, is accused of being involved in a healthcare fraud scheme with convicted doctor Kevin Tien Do. Do recently pleaded guilty to conspiracy and tax fraud related to false medical billing. Do admitted to submitting fraudulent medical reports to a state fund for injured workers, using other doctors' names to hide his involvement. Claustro's role in the scheme is detailed in court records, although he has not been charged with a crime. Claustro operated a medical billing firm, Valley Health Care Management, with his wife. Allegations suggest he controlled Liberty Medical Group, which received over $3 million from the state for billings linked to Do's reports. Claustro remains a judge, with his term ending in 2029.