A Somerset, Kentucky man, Jesse Kipf, was sentenced to 81 months in prison for computer fraud and aggravated identity theft after faking his own death to avoid paying child support. Kipf hacked state systems in Hawaii, Arizona, and Vermont, as well as two private companies, GuestTek Interactive Entertainment, and Milestone Inc. Court documents reveal that in January 2023, Kipf owed his California ex over six-figures, prompting him to use a doctor’s credentials to access the Hawaii Death Registry System and create a case file for his fake death. By submitting a death certificate posing as the doctor, Kipf successfully made it appear that he had died across several government databases. He also opened credit cards with false Social Security numbers to start a new life after faking his death.
Prosecutors stated that Kipf also hacked other death registries and private business networks, selling access on the dark web. The U.S. Department of Justice confirmed that Kipf pleaded guilty to the crimes he committed for his personal gain. United States Attorney Carlton S. Shier IV emphasized the destructive nature of Kipf’s scheme, driven by his desire to avoid child support obligations. The case serves as a stark reminder of the damage criminals with computer skills can inflict and underscores the importance of computer and online security. Despite the significant losses incurred by governmental and corporate systems due to Kipf’s actions, law enforcement efforts successfully brought him to justice.
Kipf will be required to serve 85% of his prison sentence, with three years of supervised release following his release. The total cost of damages resulting from Kipf’s hacking activities and failure to meet his child support obligations amounted to $195,759. The DOJ emphasized the importance of holding cyber criminals accountable for their actions and ensuring that they face consequences for their criminal conduct. The case against Kipf serves as a warning to other potential cyber criminals about the serious repercussions of engaging in illegal activities online. The Department of Justice expressed gratitude for the partnership with law enforcement agencies in bringing Kipf to justice and preventing further harm to individuals and organizations.
This case underscores the vulnerability of computer systems to cyber criminals who seek to exploit weaknesses for personal gain. Kipf’s manipulation of state registries and private business networks highlights the need for enhanced cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive information and prevent unauthorized access. The DOJ’s efforts in prosecuting Kipf demonstrate the commitment to upholding the law and holding individuals accountable for criminal behavior, especially when it involves financial fraud and identity theft. The severe consequences faced by Kipf as a result of his actions serve as a deterrent to others who may be considering engaging in similar illegal activities.
The implications of Kipf’s scheme go beyond financial losses, as it also involved the evasion of legal obligations such as child support payments. By faking his own death to avoid fulfilling his responsibilities, Kipf demonstrated a blatant disregard for the law and the well-being of his family. The seriousness of his actions is reflected in the lengthy prison sentence imposed on him, as well as the requirement to serve a significant portion of his sentence before being eligible for release. The case serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of attempting to defraud the system and shirk one’s legal obligations, reinforcing the importance of upholding ethical standards and fulfilling legal responsibilities.
In conclusion, the sentencing of Jesse Kipf for computer fraud and aggravated identity theft highlights the serious consequences of engaging in criminal activities online. By hacking state systems and faking his own death to avoid paying child support, Kipf caused significant financial losses and disrupted governmental and corporate computer systems. The DOJ’s prosecution of Kipf underscores the commitment to combating cyber crime and holding individuals accountable for their actions. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining robust cybersecurity measures to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information and protect against malicious intrusions. The harsh penalties imposed on Kipf send a strong message to others contemplating similar illegal activities, emphasizing the need to comply with the law and fulfill legal obligations.
