Ocean County Woman Accused of Hiding Mother’s Death to Collect More Than $200K

Ocean County Woman Accused of Hiding Mother’s Death to Collect More Than $200K

BEACHWOOD, NJ — A Beachwood woman is facing criminal charges after authorities accused her of concealing her mother’s death and collecting more than $217,000 in pension and annuity benefits that she was not entitled to receive.

Kristen G. Arntz, 54, was charged following an investigation by the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office and Division of Criminal Justice. She faces two counts of second-degree theft by deception and three counts of third-degree forgery.

According to the indictment, Arntz allegedly continued receiving benefits from Ironworkers Local 11 after her mother died. Authorities say she collected approximately $97,139 from the union's pension fund and another $120,700 from its annuity fund between January 2021 and July 2025.

Investigators allege Arntz did not notify the union of her mother's death. Instead, authorities say she took control of her mother's bank account, allowing benefit payments to continue.

Authorities also allege that Arntz submitted several letters to the union using her mother's name in an effort to obtain advance payments from the annuity fund.

New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport said pension funds are intended to provide financial security to workers who contribute to them over the course of their careers.

Martha Nye, interim director of the New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice, said the alleged conduct involved more than $200,000 in pension-program funds and described the alleged scheme as a serious betrayal of programs relied upon by workers.

If convicted of the second-degree charges, Arntz could face up to 10 years in state prison and a fine of up to $150,000. The third-degree forgery charges carry potential sentences of up to five years in prison and fines of up to $15,000.

The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information relevant to the case is asked to contact the Division of Criminal Justice tip line at 800-277-2427. The charges are allegations, and Arntz is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.