In a recent federal court case, Jesse Kipf from Kentucky admitted to fabricating his own death to evade paying approximately $116,000 in child support to his former spouse. Court documents reveal Kipf’s confession to assuming the identity of a doctor from another state, enabling him to access the Hawaii Death Registry System. He then falsified records certifying his demise using the stolen credentials.
Additionally, Kipf confessed to unlawfully accessing other states’ death registry systems using pilfered identities. He also pleaded guilty to various associated offenses, including unauthorized entry into private business computer networks with the intent to sell access to others. Investigators seized electronic devices and precious metal coins valued at over $16,000 from Kipf.
A Man From Kentucky Admitted to Fabricating His Own Death to Avoid Child Support Obligations (Credits: NBC News)
Under the terms of the plea agreement, Kipf admitted guilt to two charges listed in his federal indictment: aggravated identity theft and computer fraud. He faces a potential maximum sentence of seven years imprisonment and fines of up to $500,000. Furthermore, Kipf is obliged to make restitution payments, including the owed child support and additional sums to governmental departments and private entities.
These restitution amounts encompass $116,357 owed to his ex-wife, $3,500 to the Hawaii Department of Health, and unspecified sums to two companies, Milestone Inc. and GuestTek Interactive Entertainment. Kipf’s sentencing is scheduled for April 12, where the court will determine the extent of his punishment for the crimes committed.
