Cristal Gale Kastantin of Wheatland, Iowa, was taken into custody on January 3, 2026, following the execution of outstanding arrest warrants related to insurance fraud, according to an announcement from the Iowa Insurance Division.

Kastantin faces several felony charges, including one count of Ongoing Criminal Conduct, a Class B felony; one count of First-Degree Theft, a Class C felony; one count of Second-Degree Theft, a Class D felony; and one count of Fraudulent Submission, also a Class D felony.

Criminal complaints filed by the Iowa Insurance Division’s Fraud Bureau and the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office state that the charges stem from Kastantin’s actions while she was employed at a now-closed insurance agency in Wheatland. Investigators allege she carried out a scheme to steal money by improperly using agency funds for personal benefit.

According to the complaints, Kastantin repeatedly used company funds—on dozens of occasions—to make unauthorized personal purchases at various retail businesses. Authorities also allege she used work funds to make a down payment on her personal vehicle.

In addition to the alleged misuse of agency funds, investigators say Kastantin knowingly submitted, or caused the submission of, false documents connected to an insurance claim. The paperwork claimed that restoration services had been completed for an insured customer, even though the services were never actually performed.

The documents identified the service provider as a business in which Kastantin reportedly held a financial interest. That business ultimately received payment for the unperformed services, resulting in a financial loss to the insurance company, according to the complaints.