Former University of Michigan Co-Offensive Coordinator Matthew Weiss has been indicted on charges related to unauthorized access to computers and aggravated identity theft. The 42-year-old from Ann Arbor faces a 24-count indictment, which includes 14 counts of unauthorized computer access and 10 counts of aggravated identity theft, as announced by Acting United States Attorney Julie A. Beck.
The announcement was made alongside Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge at the FBI Detroit Field Office. According to the indictment, Weiss allegedly accessed student athlete databases from over 100 colleges and universities between approximately 2015 and January 2023. These databases were maintained by a third-party vendor. Weiss is accused of downloading personally identifiable information and medical data for more than 150,000 athletes.
Utilizing this information along with his own internet research, Weiss reportedly gained access to social media, email, and cloud storage accounts of over 2,000 athletes. Additionally, he allegedly accessed similar accounts belonging to more than 1,300 other students or alumni nationwide. Through these accounts, he downloaded personal digital photographs and videos meant for private sharing.
“Our office will move aggressively to prosecute computer hacking to protect the private accounts of our citizens,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Julie Beck. “We stand ready with our law enforcement partners to bring those who illegally invade the privacy of others to justice.”
Cheyvoryea Gibson emphasized the efforts behind the case: “Today’s indictment of Matthew Weiss underscores the commitment and meticulous investigative efforts of our law enforcement professionals.” He credited the FBI Detroit Cyber Task Force's collaboration with the University of Michigan Police Department in safeguarding community interests.
If convicted on all charges, Weiss could face up to five years imprisonment for each count of unauthorized computer access and two years for each count of aggravated identity theft. A conviction for aggravated identity theft carries a mandatory minimum sentence that must be served consecutively with any other sentences imposed.
It is important to note that an indictment is merely a charge; it does not constitute evidence of guilt. The government bears the responsibility of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Assistant United States Attorneys Timothy Wyse and Patrick Corbett are prosecuting this case while the Federal Bureau of Investigation leads its investigation.
