Melbourne, FL – Dr. Mauricio J. Castellon, a well-known plastic surgeon in Brevard County, is facing mounting legal trouble after being charged with felony workers’ compensation fraud and linked to over $500,000 in unpaid IRS tax liens, according to court and public records.
A criminal investigation by Florida’s Department of Financial Services (DFS), Bureau of Insurance Fraud, revealed Castellon operated his clinic—Castellon Plastic Surgery Center—without required insurance coverage and violated multiple Stop-Work Orders. He now faces up to 10 years in prison and is currently out on bond.
Unpaid Federal Tax Liens Totaling Over $509,000
According to official Brevard County records, the IRS filed several federal tax liens against Castellon:
$127,103.35 for tax year 2015
$212,998.00 for tax year 2016
$169,348.57 jointly with Jamie L. Castellon for 2018 (filed Jan. 13, 2020)
Though a lien for 2013–2014 was satisfied in 2020, the current liens remain unconfirmed as paid or released, indicating ongoing financial distress that may have influenced the alleged fraud.
Felony Charges for Insurance Fraud
Castellon faces charges under two key Florida statutes:
Workers’ Compensation Fraud (F.S. 440.105(4)(a)(3))
Investigators found his practice had no insurance coverage for extended periods. Policies were canceled in September 2022 and 2023, and no legal exemptions or alternatives were filed.
Violation of Stop-Work Orders (F.S. 440.105(4)(a)(8))
SWO 23-092-D4, issued April 11, 2023
SWO 24-108-D4, issued April 11, 2024
Despite these orders, employees were seen working at his Melbourne office on May 2, 2024, leading to additional fines and criminal liability.
Timeline of Key Investigative Findings
March 2023: DFS identified 8 employees working uninsured.
March 2024: Still operating with 6 staff and no coverage.
April 17, 2024: A new policy was initiated but requested records were not provided.
May 2024: The practice operated in violation of active Stop-Work Orders.
Conflicting Accounts
Castellon blamed his former office manager Jenna Bemis, claiming she failed to maintain coverage. Bemis, however, said Castellon refused to pay bills and was fully informed of policy lapses and the Stop-Work Orders.
Potential Penalties
Castellon faces:
Up to 5 years in prison per felony count
Fines up to $5,000 per count
Additional financial penalties and potential restitution
His clinic, located at 1499 S. Harbor City Blvd, Suite 301, remains under investigation, and Stop-Work Order 24-108-D4 remains unresolved.
This case highlights the severe consequences of workers’ comp fraud and tax evasion—both of which endanger employees and erode trust in the healthcare system.
