A Cuban national previously convicted of orchestrating a Ponzi scheme in Miami-Dade has been arrested once again, accused of defrauding another victim. This arrest comes merely five months after his release from prison, during which he was on probation, according to authorities.
Damian Castilla, 52, residing in Pembroke Pines, was apprehended in Miami Lakes by detectives from the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office (M-DSO). He now faces charges of second-degree grand theft and organized fraud, as indicated by county court records.
Castilla's prior conviction for organized fraud occurred in 2023, and he was released from incarceration on November 18, 2025. His probation was set to last until 2045, as reported by media outlets.
Investigators from the M-DSO's Organized Crime Bureau detailed that his initial arrest took place on March 18, 2020, for running a Ponzi scheme that defrauded a victim of over $300,000. The suspect allegedly impersonated a commodities broker, promising investment opportunities, but instead diverted the funds for personal use.
Following his arrest, Castilla was released on bail the next day, March 19, 2020. Yet, while awaiting trial, he reportedly repeated his fraudulent tactics, deceiving another victim with false claims about non-existent investments.
On June 7, 2021, he allegedly cashed a $20,000 check drawn from this second victim's account. Subpoenaed bank records revealed that the check was deposited into Castilla's Wells Fargo account.
Despite serving part of his sentence, Castilla was freed in November 2025 under probation, which was to extend until 2045.
This recent arrest occurred at the M-DSO's Northwest District station in Miami Lakes, with his defense attorney present. On legal advice, Castilla exercised his rights and refused to provide a statement, subsequently being transferred to the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center.
During a court appearance on Thursday, Castilla's attorney questioned the timing of the case, noting that the incidents in question date back to 2021. The lawyer stated, "He has served his sentence and is on probation, so we intend to resolve this matter."
The judge set bail at $5,000, and the case was assigned to Miami-Dade Circuit Court Judge Andrea Wolfson, according to Telemundo 51.
Under Florida law, committing another crime while on probation could lead to its revocation, potentially sending Castilla back to prison to serve the remainder of his original sentence. Additionally, he could face up to 15 more years for the new second-degree felony charges.
Legal Implications of Repeated Offenses
What happens if someone commits a crime while on probation in Florida?
In Florida, committing a crime while on probation can lead to the revocation of probation, requiring the individual to serve the remainder of their original sentence in prison, along with any new sentence for the additional crime.
What are the potential penalties for organized fraud in Florida?
Organized fraud in Florida can result in severe penalties, including significant fines and imprisonment. For second-degree felonies, the sentence can be up to 15 years in prison.