The document submitted to authorities in New York State looked genuine except the word “registry” was spelled “regsitry”, NBC News reports.

Robert Berger, 25, who has not in fact killed himself, has now been charged with a single count of offering a false instrument for filing.

His lawyer, who submitted the death certificate, has denied any involvement in the alleged fraud and no longer represents him.

Nassau County District Attorney Madeline Singas said: “It will never cease to amaze me the lengths some people will go to to avoid being held accountable on criminal charges.”