Kentucky
Kentucky man gets prison for hacking state systems to fake own death and avoid paying child support
A Somerset, Kentucky, man was sentenced to prison after hacking state registry systems to fake his own death in order to avoid paying child support.
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) said 39-year-old Jesse Kipf was sentenced to 81 months on Monday for computer fraud and aggravated identity theft.
Kipf is accused of hacking state systems in Hawaii, Arizona and Vermont, in addition to two private companies, GuestTek Interactive Entertainment, which provides internet access at hotels, and Milestone Inc., a marketing company, according to federal court documents.
In January 2023, when Kipf owed his California ex over six-figures, federal prosecutors say Kipf obtained the credentials of a doctor, logged into the Hawaii Death Registry System and created a case file for his own premature end.
KENTUCKY DAD HACKS HAWAII TO FAKE DEATH RATHER THAN PAY 6-FIGURE CHILD SUPPORT DEBT
Jesse Kipf, 38, is expected to plead guilty to federal hacking and identity theft charges after prosecutors say he faked his own death, partly to escape having to pay more than $116,000 in child support to his ex in California. (Grayson County Detention Center)
He then filled out a death certificate while posing as the doctor and submitted it — which made him appear dead across several government databases, court filings say.
Prosecutors said he also hacked other death registries and broke into private business networks, selling access on the dark web.
Additionally, after faking his death, he is accused of opening credit cards with false Social Security numbers in an attempt to live a new life.
ROMANIAN MOB IS COMING FOR YOUR DEBIT CARDS, WITH ATM-STYLE SKIMMERS NOW AT SELF-CHECKOUTS, AUTHORITIES WARN
The DOJ said Kipf pleaded guilty to the crimes, which he committed for his own private gain.
“This scheme was a cynical and destructive effort, based in part on the inexcusable goal of avoiding his child support obligations,” Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky said. “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.
“Fortunately, through the excellent work of our law enforcement partners, this case will serve as a warning to other cyber criminals, and he will face the consequences of his disgraceful conduct.”
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Kipf is required under federal law to serve 85% of his prison sentence. Once released, he will be on supervised release for three years.
The DOJ added that the damage to governmental and corporate computer systems and Kipf’s failure to pay his child support obligations amounted to a total of $195,759.
Fox News Digital’s Michael Ruiz contributed to this report.
Beechwood senior wide receiver Tyler Fryman has committed to University of Kentucky football and baseball according to Hayes Fawcett of Rivals.
Fryman made the change to the Wildcats on June 26, just three days after announcing he was decommitting from Louisville Cardinals baseball. Fryman had been committed to Louisville since 2023.
The four-star recruit took an official visit to Kentucky on June 19. A week later, he’s flipped his school and added a new sport.
For Beechwood last season, Fryman caught 62 passes for 1,320 yards and 23 touchdowns. He was also the 9th Region Player of the Year in baseball and an indoor track state champion.
Fryman also had football offers from Cincinnati, Notre Dame and Ole Miss among others.
GRAYSON, Ky. (WSAZ) – New information has been released in the search for a missing woman at Grayson Lake.
According to game wardens with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, Marly Kinney, 19, of Ashland, was last seen at Grayson Lake on Wednesday afternoon.
They say search efforts are focused on the water at this time and include Kentucky State Police aerial support, drones, boats, and K9 assistance.
Crews suspend search for missing teen for the night
The search is now into its third day, with officials saying on and off rain has hindered their search and that a group of 50 volunteers are walking the banks of the lake to help in the search.
Search and rescue boats have been seen at the lake as well.
Officials say there are still many questions, including if Kinney is still alive and where exactly she went missing.
They also say they’ve been using a variety of equipment, including sonar and thermal detectors, as well as helicopters and underwater drones.
WSAZ received a statement from Kinney’s family Friday afternoon:
“We are very appreciative of the absolute surplus of support from law enforcement, search and rescue, 1st responders, and all of the community and its volunteers that are here with us and for us searching for Marly. We do not even know how to express our absolute gratitude to you all. We continue to have faith she will be found and brought back to us. We know we have the very best people doing all they can to bring her home.”
Anyone with information is asked to call 911.
We are still working to get more information.
Previous coverage can be found here.
Copyright 2026 WSAZ. All rights reserved.
13 things more likely to happen than winning the Powerball jackpot
Hoping to win the Powerball jackpot? Here are 13 things more likely to happen than becoming an instant millionaire.
The Kentucky Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big.
Here’s a look at Thursday, June 25, 2026 winning numbers for each game.
Cash Ball
02-08-24-32, Cash Ball: 09
Check Cash Ball payouts and previous drawings here.
Pick 3
Evening: 6-3-0
Midday: 9-6-0
Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.
Pick 4
Evening: 5-7-6-0
Midday: 5-2-6-6
Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.
Millionaire for Life
03-13-14-34-45, Bonus: 01
Check Millionaire for Life payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Courier Journal digital producer. You can send feedback using this form.
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