DETROIT – Matthew Weiss, 42, former University of Michigan co-offensive coordinator, has been indicted on 24 federal charges, including 14 counts of unauthorized computer access and 10 counts of aggravated identity theft, Acting U.S. Attorney Julie A. Beck announced.
According to the indictment, Weiss illegally accessed student-athlete databases from more than 100 colleges and universities between 2015 and January 2023. These databases, managed by a third-party vendor, contained sensitive personal and medical records. Prosecutors say Weiss downloaded data on over 150,000 athletes, then used that information—along with online research—to break into the social media, email, and cloud storage accounts of more than 2,000 athletes. He also allegedly gained unauthorized access to accounts belonging to over 1,300 other students and alumni nationwide.
Once inside, Weiss is accused of stealing private and intimate photos and videos never meant to be shared beyond personal relationships.
“Our office will aggressively prosecute cybercrimes that violate people’s privacy,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Julie Beck. “Those who engage in this kind of illegal activity will be held accountable.”
Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Detroit office, credited law enforcement for their work in the case. “This indictment is the result of relentless investigative efforts. The FBI Detroit Cyber Task Force, in collaboration with the University of Michigan Police Department, worked tirelessly to ensure justice for those affected.”
If convicted, Weiss faces up to five years in prison for each unauthorized computer access charge. The aggravated identity theft charges carry a mandatory two-year sentence, to be served consecutively with any other penalties.
