Des Moines, Iowa – A Clinton County woman is facing multiple felony charges after investigators say she carried out a long-running insurance fraud and theft scheme while working at a now-closed insurance agency in eastern Iowa. Authorities allege the conduct involved repeated misuse of company funds and the submission of false insurance documentation.
The arrest follows a joint investigation by state and county officials into financial irregularities connected to the former business.
Incident Overview
Cristal Gale Kastantin, of Wheatland, Iowa, was arrested on Saturday, January 3, 2026, on outstanding arrest warrants. She has been charged with four felony counts, including Ongoing Criminal Conduct (Class B Felony), Theft in the First Degree (Class C Felony), Theft in the Second Degree (Class D Felony), and Fraudulent Submission (Class D Felony).
The charges stem from Kastantin’s former employment at an insurance agency in Wheatland that has since permanently closed, according to court documents.
Timeline of Events
Investigators say the alleged misconduct occurred over an extended period while Kastantin was still employed at the agency. Authorities believe the activity involved dozens of unauthorized transactions, making it a pattern rather than a single incident.
The investigation culminated in the issuance of arrest warrants, which were executed earlier this month. The case is now proceeding through the Clinton County court system.
Details From Police and Officials
According to criminal complaints filed by the Iowa Insurance Division’s Fraud Bureau and the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office, Kastantin allegedly used work funds for personal benefit without authorization.
Officials allege she made numerous personal retail purchases using agency funds and also used those funds to make a down payment on her personal vehicle.
“The criminal charges relate to conduct perpetrated during the defendant’s former employment at an insurance agency that has since permanently closed,” the criminal complaints state.
Further information on insurance fraud enforcement efforts can be found through the Iowa Insurance Division, which oversees fraud investigations statewide.
Fraudulent Insurance Claim Allegations
Beyond the alleged theft of funds, investigators say Kastantin was also involved in submitting false insurance claim documentation. According to the complaints, the documentation claimed that restoration services had been provided to an insured customer when those services were never actually performed.
The paperwork reportedly identified a business as the service provider — a business in which Kastantin allegedly had a vested financial interest.
“The documentation falsely purported that restoration services had been provided to an insured party that had not truly been provided,” investigators wrote in the complaint.
Authorities say the business was ultimately paid for the claimed services, resulting in a financial loss to the insurer.
Key Facts at a Glance
- Defendant: Cristal Gale Kastantin
- Residence: Wheatland, Iowa
- Arrest Date: January 3, 2026
- Charges Filed: Four felony counts
- Agencies Involved: Iowa Insurance Division Fraud Bureau, Clinton County Sheriff’s Office
- Alleged Conduct: Unauthorized use of funds, false insurance claim submissions
- Impact: Financial losses to an insurance company
Additional Context on Insurance Fraud
Insurance fraud is considered a serious financial crime because it raises costs for policyholders and undermines trust in the insurance system. State regulators note that internal fraud — when committed by employees with access to funds and records — can be particularly damaging due to the ease with which transactions can be concealed.
In Iowa, Class B felony charges can carry significant prison time, while lower-level felonies may still result in incarceration, fines, and restitution if a defendant is convicted.
Public Awareness and Prevention
Officials encourage businesses to maintain strict internal controls, regularly audit financial records, and require multiple levels of authorization for payments and claims processing. Consumers are also urged to carefully review insurance claim paperwork and report suspicious billing activity.
Conclusion
The case against Cristal Gale Kastantin highlights the financial and legal consequences of alleged insurance fraud and misuse of employer funds. As the case moves forward in court, prosecutors will seek to prove that the conduct was intentional, ongoing, and financially harmful.
Anyone with additional information related to insurance fraud is encouraged to contact state authorities.
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