Police: Butler woman suspect has 18 aliases
Investigators in Florida are still trying to untangle the mysterious life of Kimberly Kessler.
Kessler, 50, is behind bars in Nassau County, Fla., on a grand theft auto charge and is considered a suspect in the disappearance of Joleen Cummings, a 34-year-old mother last seen on May 12.
Nassau County Sheriff Bill Leeper on Friday released more information about Kessler’s past, including the fact that she used at least 18 aliases since 1996, as police continue to ask for the public’s help finding Cummings and learning more about Kessler.
Kessler, who had been living in Florida under the name Jennifer Marie Sybert, was arrested based on surveillance footage that allegedly showed her parking and exiting Cummings’ vehicle the day after her disappearance, according to court records. The two had worked together at Tangles Hair Salon in Fernandina Beach.
Leeper said two weeks ago that investigators have evidence indicating that Cummings is no longer alive.
Kessler was last seen by family members in Butler County in 2004 and was reported missing to Pennsylvania State Police in 2012.
According to police, no foul play was suspected in her disappearance, because she had told her mother she planned to leave town and assume a different name to get away from a paramour. She does not have a criminal history in Pennsylvania, nor does her name come up in search of property, marriage and legal records in Butler County.
Leeper, at a news conference, said that police have learned that Kessler had 18 fake names, lived in 33 cities in 14 states, had driver’s licenses in five states and had worked as a truck driver, restaurant server, hairdresser and at temporary employment agencies.
“We’re not quite sure yet why all of the disguises or if she is involved in the disappearance of anyone else before, but it seems she is definitely running from something,” Leeper said.
Leeper said that the details of the case are shocking and unusual, though he said he would not release specifics as they continue to investigate.
At least two of her aliases, Pamela Kleiber and Sybert, reportedly came from headstones in the Butler area.
Anyone with information about Cummings’ whereabouts or Kessler’s activities is asked to call the sheriff’s department at 904-548-4005. First Coast Crime Stopper, a Florida organization that gathers tips to assist law enforcement, has offered a cash reward of up to $4,000 for information. To make a tip, and remain anonymous, call 866-845-8477.
The various aliases Kessler has used, according to police, include:
Kimberly L. Kessler
Christina Melissa Brook
Christina Young
Pamela Kleiber
Melissa McKernan
Melissa Losy
Jennifer Marie Sybert
Mia Stone
Jenn Lee Sybert Allen
Jennifer Seibring
Jennifer Marie Allen
Marie Sybert Stone
Christa Brooks
Pam Cleaver
Pamela Kleiver
Pamela Jean Kleiber
Jenn Siever Allen
Jennifer Seibring
