Jesse Kipf, a 39-year-old resident of Somerset, Kentucky, was sentenced to 81 months in prison for committing computer fraud and aggravated identity theft. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Kentucky, Kipf engaged in a series of cyber intrusions, including unauthorized access to state death registry systems. His primary motive was to fake his own death to evade child support obligations, demonstrating the lengths to which he would go to avoid his financial responsibilities. By hacking into the Hawaii Death Registry System, Kipf used the credentials of a physician to create a fraudulent case declaring himself deceased, which resulted in his registration as a deceased person across various government databases.
In addition to falsifying his death, Kipf infiltrated other states’ death registry systems and targeted private businesses, accessing their networks without authorization. He utilized stolen credentials from real individuals to gain access to these systems, showcasing a calculated approach to cybercrime. Kipf’s actions extended to attempting to sell access to these hacked networks on the dark web, an area of the internet known for illicit activities. This aspect of his criminal behavior highlights the increasing risks associated with cyber intrusions and the potential for severe consequences for victims affected by identity theft.
U.S. Attorney Carlton S. Shier, IV, emphasized the destructive nature of Kipf’s scheme, which was primarily motivated by the desire to escape child support obligations. He described Kipf’s actions as both cynical and damaging, underlining the importance of computer security and the ramifications of cybercrime on individuals and systems alike. Michael E. Stansbury, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Louisville Field Office, echoed these sentiments, stating that Kipf’s actions had lasting impacts on victims of identity theft and reaffirming the FBI’s commitment to pursuing cybercriminals.
Kipf is required to serve 85 percent of his sentence, and upon his release, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for three years. The total financial impact of his criminal activities, which included damages to governmental and corporate computer systems along with unpaid child support, amounted to $195,758.65. The case serves as a reminder of the collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and the Kentucky Attorney General’s Office, in addressing cybercrime and ensuring that offenders face appropriate penalties for their actions.
Reference:
