- Advertisement -

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA — All felony charges have been officially dropped against Dr. Mauricio Jose Castellon, a prominent Brevard County physician who was previously arrested and charged with two third-degree felonies related to workers’ compensation insurance compliance.

- Advertisement -

On November 19, 2025, the State Attorney’s Office for the 18th Judicial Circuit filed a Nolle Prosequi, formally ending the case and dismissing all charges. The filing confirms that the prosecution will no longer pursue the matter, clearing Dr. Castellon of any criminal liability.

“All parties involved wanted the medical office to be insured and in compliance as quickly as possible. The State Attorney’s Office agreed to drop charges once Dr. Castellon got things squared away with his insurer and the state agency that initiated the complaint,” wrote Matt Reed, spokesperson for the State Attorney’s Office, in an email to The Space Coast Rocket.

- Advertisement -

Background: Felony Charges and Arrest

Dr. Castellon was arrested in June 2025 and charged with:

• Failure to secure workers’ compensation insurance under $20,000 (F.S. 440.105(4)(a)(3))
• Workers’ compensation fraud less than $20,000 (F.S. 440.105(4)(b)(1))

Each charge carried a maximum penalty of up to five years in prison and $5,000 in fines. The charges stemmed from an investigation by the Florida Department of Financial Services, which had issued a Stop-Work Order (SWO) against Castellon’s medical practice in April 2024 for failing to provide requested insurance documentation.

- Advertisement -

What Changed?

According to defense attorney Kepler Funk, the criminal statutes involved required specific knowledge and intent (mens rea) that the State would likely be unable to prove beyond a reasonable doubt.

“The statute has some very particular knowledge requirements and mens rea requirements,” Funk explained in an email. “We advocated that the criminal jury instruction requirements would be very difficult for the State to meet its burden of proof.”

Funk added that Castellon’s business had a registered agent responsible for handling compliance, but that individual failed to properly do their job. That failure led investigators—and ultimately the State—to mistakenly believe Castellon had personally violated the law.

“The investigator, in our opinion, did not fully understand the criminal application of the statutes, thereby misleading the State Attorney’s Office to believe he was guilty,” Funk wrote. “He was not.”

Final Resolution

The Nolle Prosequi, filed by Assistant State Attorney Trevor Persenaire, confirms that the State no longer believes it can or should pursue criminal charges. The resolution appears to be based on both legal insufficiency and Dr. Castellon’s prompt efforts to rectify any insurance compliance issues with the state agency involved.

The defense team emphasized this as a complete vindication of their client.

“Keith and I are grateful that the truth has finally come out that Dr. Castellon is innocent,” Funk previously stated. “Just because the government says it’s so, doesn’t make it so.”

Final Outcome

• All charges dismissed (Nolle Prosequi)
• No conviction
• Compliance resolved with state agency and insurer