Clinton County Woman Charged with Insurance Fraud

Des Moines - Cristal Gale Kastantin, of Wheatland, Iowa, was arrested on Saturday, January 3, 2026, on outstanding arrest warrants. Kastantin was charged with one count of Ongoing Criminal Conduct (Class B Felony), one count of Theft 1st Degree (Class C Felony), one count of Theft 2nd Degree (Class D Felony), and one count of Fraudulent Submission (Class D Felony).

According to criminal complaints filed by the Iowa Insurance Division's Fraud Bureau and the Clinton County Sheriff's Office, the criminal charges relate to conduct perpetrated by Kastantin during her former employment at an insurance agency located in Wheatland that has since been permanently closed. Kastantin employed a scheme to commit theft through the misuse of work funds for her own personal gain. Kastantin surreptitiously used work funds on at least several dozen occasions to make unauthorized personal purchases at various retailers. Additionally, Kastantin used work funds to make a down payment on her personal vehicle.

In addition to the charges relating to the misuse of funds, according to the criminal complaints, Kastantin also intentionally submitted or caused to be submitted, false documentation related to an insurance claim. The documentation falsely purported that restoration services had been provided to an insured party that had not truly been provided. According to the false documentation, the services had been provided by a business in which Kastantin had a vested financial interest. The business ultimately received payment for the services that had not truly been provided, which resulted in a financial loss to the insurer.

Note: A criminal charge is merely an accusation, and defendants should be presumed innocent until they are found guilty.

Photo courtesy of the Clinton County Sheriff's Office.