Somerset man sentenced after faking own death to avoid paying child support in Kentucky

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LONDON, Ky. (FOX 56) — A Kentucky man was sentenced to 81 months in prison on Monday after hacking the Hawaii death registry systems to fake his death.

According to the Department of Justice, Jesse Kipf, 39, accessed a computer without permission and obtained information from a protected computer so that he could fake his death.

In his plea agreement, Kipf accessed the Hawaii Death Registry System and used the username and password of an out-of-state physician to create a case for his death by using the doctor’s digital signature. Kipf then filled out a death certificate worksheet and assigned himself as the medical certifier for the case.

The DOJ said Kipf admitted he faked his death, at least in part, to avoid paying his child support obligations.

Aside from faking his death, Kipf also hacked other state death registry systems, private business networks, and government and corporate networks by using credentials he stole from other people.

After gaining access to these networks, Kipf attempted to sell access to potential buyers on the dark web.

“This scheme was a cynical and destructive effort, based in part on the inexcusable goal of avoiding his child support obligations,” said Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky. “This case is a stark reminder of how damaging criminals with computers can be, and how critically important computer and online security is to us all. Fortunately, through the excellent work of our law enforcement partners, this case will serve as a warning to other cyber criminals, and he will face the consequences of his disgraceful conduct.”

“Working in collaboration with our law enforcement partners, this defendant who hacked a variety of computer systems and maliciously stole the identity of others for his own personal gain, will now pay the price,” said Michael E. Stansbury, Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Louisville Field Office. “Victims of identity theft face lifelong impact and for that reason, the FBI will pursue anyone foolish enough to engage in this cowardly behavior.”