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Far Out: Woman Guilty of False Reports of Bank Account Access from International Space Station
HOUSTON, TX – In a bizarre case of deceit, a 50-year-old woman from Sedgwick County, Kansas, has pleaded guilty to lying to law enforcement regarding false reports of bank account access from the International Space Station.
According to the investigation, Summer Heather Worden, 50, alleged that her estranged spouse had guessed the password and illegally accessed her bank account while he was deployed to the International Space Station in July 2019.
A closer look at the evidence, however, revealed that Worden had actually opened the account in April 2018 and had granted her spouse access to her bank records from at least 2015, including her login credentials.
The truth behind Worden’s accusations came to light after a thorough investigation by the NASA-Office of Inspector General, which found that Worden had changed the credentials in January 2019, making her spouse’s alleged access impossible.
U.S. District Judge Alfred Bennett accepted Worden’s plea on November 13, 2025. The sentencing hearing is scheduled for February 12, 2026, where Worden faces up to five years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Richard D. Hanes and Brandon Fyffe prosecuted the case, with Worden permitted to remain on bond pending the sentencing hearing.
The case serves as a reminder of the importance of honesty and integrity in our society, and the consequences of making false accusations.
Defendant: Summer Heather Worden
Criminal Charge: Lying to Law Enforcement
City and State: Houston, TX
Exact Date: July 2019
Sentence or Outcome: Up to 5 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine
Dollar Amount: $250,000 maximum fine
Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Category: Cybercrime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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