By Deba Osakwe
A U.S. man, Ryan Borgwardt, has been sentenced to 89 days in county jail after admitting to faking his own death in a bizarre attempt to be with a woman he met online.
Borgwardt, who entered a plea of no contest to the charges, was found guilty of orchestrating the elaborate deception to avoid personal obligations and secretly pursue the relationship. Authorities revealed that he fabricated details of his supposed death, misleading both family and acquaintances before his actions were eventually uncovered.
Prosecutors described the stunt as reckless and emotionally damaging to those who believed he had passed away. The case, which drew attention due to its unusual nature, highlighted the growing dangers of online relationships built on deceit.
In addition to his jail term, Borgwardt is expected to undergo supervised probation upon release. Officials said the sentencing was meant to serve as both punishment and a deterrent against similar acts.
