Former University of Michigan Co-Offensive Coordinator Matthew Weiss, 42, has been hit with a 24-count indictment that includes allegations of hacking into private student databases and committing aggravated identity theft, as announced today by Acting United States Attorney Julie A. Beck. Weiss, a resident of Ann Arbor, is accused of exploiting access to over 100 college and university databases maintained by a third-party vendor, using the stolen information to access the personal accounts of thousands of individuals.
Beck revealed that between the years of 2015 and January 2023, Weiss had been illegally accessing databases and harvesting the personal data, inclusive of intimate photos and videos, of more than 150,000 student athletes. Additionally, he is charged with gaining unauthorized access to the social media, email, and cloud storage of over 3,300 students and alumni across an array of institutions. According to a statement obtained by the U.S. Attorney's Office, "he downloaded personal, intimate digital photographs and videos that were never intended to be shared beyond intimate partners."
Becks and FBI Special Agent in Charge Cheyvoryea Gibson emphasized the severity of the crimes and the dedication of law enforcement in addressing such breaches of privacy. Acting U.S. Attorney Beck asserted, "Our office will move aggressively to prosecute computer hacking to protect the private accounts of our citizens.” Meanwhile, Gibson highlighted the coordinated effort between federal and university law enforcement entities, stating, “The FBI Detroit Cyber Task Force, in close collaboration with the University of Michigan Police Department, worked relentlessly on this case to safeguard and protect our community," as reported by the U.S. Attorney's Office.
If convicted, Weiss faces significant prison time—up to five years for each count of unauthorized computer access and a mandatory minimum of two years for each instance of aggravated identity theft. However, it is important to note that an indictment is simply a charge, not evidence of guilt, and the government bears the burden of proving its case beyond a reasonable doubt.
The case is being managed by Assistant United States Attorneys Timothy Wyse and Patrick Corbett, who are leading the prosecution, while the FBI continues its investigation.
