Kentucky man sentenced for faking own death to avoid paying child support

LONDON, Ky. (WDKY) — A Kentucky man was sentenced to six years and nine 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, of Somerset, took information from a protected computer system without permission in a scheme devised partly to avoid paying child support.

In his plea agreement, Kipf said he got into the Hawaii Death Registry System and used an out-of-state doctor's username and password to create a "case" for his death. He then filled out a death certificate worksheet and certified his death himself.

“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."

Saying that Kipf will answer for "his disgraceful conduct,” Shier added that the case "will serve as a warning to other cyber criminals."

Aside from faking his death, Kipf also used credentials he stole to hack other state death registries, government and corporate networks as well as those of private businesses. After gaining access to these networks, Kipf tried to sell access to potential buyers on the dark web, the DOJ said.

“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.”

According to federal law, Kipf must serve at least 85% of his prison sentence before he's eligible for release.