Beachwood woman accused of impersonating her dead mother in $200K union pension fraud scheme
Prosecutors say Kristen G. Arntz, 54, collected tens of thousands from the Ironworkers Local 11 pension fund between Jan. 2021 and July 2025.
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A woman from Beachwood has been charged with stealing more than $200,000 from a local union pension fund by posing as her dead mother, according to the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office.
Prosecutors say Kristen G. Arntz, 54, collected tens of thousands from the Ironworkers Local 11 pension fund between Jan. 2021 and July 2025. She went on to collect even more from the union’s annuity fund following her mother’s death.
The indictment alleges she failed to notify the union that her mother was deceased and took control of her bank account in order to continue receiving benefits.
She also forged multiple letters in her mother’s name and requested advanced payments from the annuity fund, according to prosecutors.
The indictment includes two counts of theft by deception and three counts of forgery.
New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice Director Martha Nye describes Arntz’s actions as “a calculated betrayal” which will not be tolerated.
Officials say the investigation is ongoing. Anyone with additional information is urged to call (800)-277-2427.
