Jesse Kipf, a man from Somerset, Kentucky, was sentenced to 81 months in prison for computer fraud and aggravated identity theft after hacking state registry systems to fake his own death and avoid paying child support. He accessed Hawaii, Arizona, and Vermont state systems, as well as GuestTek Interactive Entertainment and Milestone Inc., a marketing company. Kipf owed his ex over six-figures in child support in January 2023 and used a doctor’s credentials to create a file in the Hawaii Death Registry System, submitting a death certificate in his name.
In addition to faking his own death, Kipf is accused of hacking other death registries and private business networks, selling access on the dark web. He also opened credit cards with false Social Security numbers to start a new life after his supposed death. The Department of Justice stated that Kipf pleaded guilty to the crimes he committed for personal gain, including avoiding his child support obligations. The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky emphasized the importance of computer and online security, noting the damage that criminals like Kipf can cause.
Kipf’s prison sentence requires him to serve 85% of the term, with three years of supervised release upon release. The total damage to governmental and corporate computer systems, along with Kipf’s failure to pay child support, amounted to $195,759. This case serves as a warning to other cybercriminals, highlighting the consequences of such actions. The DOJ emphasized the destructive nature of Kipf’s scheme, driven in part by his attempt to avoid his financial responsibilities, and underscored the importance of computer security in light of such criminal activities.
The case of Jesse Kipf illustrates the potential harm that individuals with computer skills can inflict on government and corporate systems. By faking his death and engaging in identity theft to avoid paying child support, Kipf engaged in criminal activities that had far-reaching consequences. The DOJ emphasized the need for heightened computer and online security measures to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. Kipf’s case serves as a stark reminder of the damage that cyber criminals can cause and the importance of holding them accountable for their actions.
Kipf’s actions extended beyond faking his own death to hacking multiple state systems and private businesses, demonstrating a high level of sophistication in his criminal activities. By selling access to hacked networks on the dark web and opening credit cards with false information, Kipf sought to evade his financial obligations and start a new life. The severity of his crimes, including the substantial financial losses incurred by government and corporate entities, underscores the serious nature of his actions and the need for robust cybersecurity measures to prevent similar incidents.
The repercussions of Kipf’s actions are significant, with his prison sentence reflecting the severity of his crimes. While he is required to serve the majority of his term and undergo supervised release upon release, the damage caused by his activities remains substantial. The DOJ’s emphasis on the importance of online security and the consequences faced by cyber criminals like Kipf highlights the ongoing threat posed by individuals who engage in illegal activities involving computer systems. This case serves as a cautionary tale for others considering similar actions and underscores the need for vigilance in safeguarding against cyber threats.
