Kentucky Man’s Extreme Measure to Evade Responsibilities Ends in Courtroom Drama

A Kentucky man faked his own death in an elaborate scheme to escape child support payments, only to end up in federal prison.

At a Glance

Jesse Kipf hacked into state death registry systems to fake his death, avoiding over $100,000 in child support.
He was sentenced to 81 months in federal prison.
Kipf accessed systems using stolen credentials, leading to multiple criminal charges.
He is required to pay $195,758.65 in unpaid child support and system damages.
This case highlights the critical need for stringent cybersecurity measures.

The Plan and The Fraud

Jesse Kipf, a Kentucky resident, was sentenced to 81 months in federal prison after concocting a plan to fake his own death to avoid paying over $100,000 in child support. Kipf’s scheme involved hacking into the Hawaii Death Registry System, using stolen credentials from an out-of-state physician to create a false death certificate. His fraudulent actions resulted in his being registered as deceased in numerous government databases.

This resulted in Kipf being registered as a deceased person in many government databases,” the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Kentucky said in a news release. “Kipf admitted that he faked his own death, in part, to avoid his outstanding child support obligations.”

Kipf also infiltrated other states’ death registry systems, as well as private business networks and governmental and corporate accounts, using the stolen credentials to further his deceit. He attempted to sell access to these networks on the dark web. Authorities detected the fraud, leading to Kipf’s conviction for computer fraud and aggravated identity theft. In addition to his prison sentence, he is ordered to pay $195,758.65 for unpaid child support and damages.

Kentucky man who admitted to faking death to avoid child support sentenced to prison | Click on the image to read the full story https://t.co/EFuYxLILSw

— WLWT (@WLWT) August 21, 2024

Sentencing and Cybersecurity Implications

Kipf pleaded guilty in April to one count of computer fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft. His sentencing also includes three years of supervision upon release. U.S. Attorney Carlton S. Shier, IV, commented on Kipf’s actions: “This scheme was a cynical and destructive effort, based in part on the inexcusable goal of avoiding his child support obligations. 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.”

Kipf’s actions extended beyond just his false death certificate. He also opened credit cards with fraudulent Social Security numbers, aiming to start a new life free from his financial responsibilities. The case aims to serve as a stern warning to other cybercriminals about the legal consequences of such fraudulent actions.

JUST IN | A Kentucky man was sentenced to over six years in prison after he faked his own death by hacking into the Hawaii death registry system to avoid paying child support. https://t.co/BqbUdBduti

— Island News (@KITV4) August 21, 2024

Law Enforcement and Public Advisories

Michael E. Stansbury, Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Louisville Field Office, emphasized the personal impact of Kipf’s crimes. “Victims of identity theft face lifelong impact and for that reason, the FBI will pursue anyone foolish enough to engage in this cowardly behavior.”

The Justice Department advises identity theft victims to place fraud alerts, close compromised accounts, file police reports, and log all relevant information. Authorities stress the importance of cybersecurity and robust law enforcement action in combating identity theft and financial fraud.

The case further demonstrates the considerable lengths some individuals will go to evade financial responsibilities. Kipf’s fraudulent activities have not only underscored these risks but also emphasized the need for stringent cybersecurity measures to protect against such tactics.