Ex-Coach Indicted For Unauthorized Access & Identity Theft

Matthew Weiss, the former Co-Offensive Coordinator and Quarterbacks Coach at the University of Michigan, has been indicted on serious charges related to unauthorized access to computers and aggravated identity theft.  

Weiss, aged 42 and a resident of Ann Arbor, Michigan, faces a 24-count indictment that includes 14 counts of unauthorized access to computers and 10 counts of aggravated identity theft. The indictment was announced by Acting U.S. Attorney Julie A. Beck, with support from Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office. 

Unauthorized Access to Student-athlete Databases 

The charges stem from Weiss’s alleged activities between 2015 and January 2023, during which time he is accused of illegally accessing confidential data stored by a third-party vendor managing student-athlete databases for over 100 colleges and universities. Through these unauthorized means, Weiss is believed to have accessed and downloaded sensitive personal information and medical records of over 150,000 athletes. 

In addition to the unauthorized access of student data, the indictment reveals that Weiss used the obtained information, combined with his own internet research, to infiltrate the online accounts of more than 2,000 student-athletes. His activities also extended to an additional 1,300 students and alumni from various universities across the United States. These accounts included social media, email, and cloud storage platforms. Weiss is accused of downloading private and intimate photos and videos from these accounts—content that was never meant to be publicly shared. 

Acting U.S. Attorney Julie A. Beck emphasized the seriousness of the charges, stating, “Our office will move aggressively to prosecute computer hacking to protect the private accounts of our citizens. We stand ready with our law enforcement partners to bring those who illegally invade the privacy of others to justice.”

Details into the Investigations 

FBI Special Agent Cheyvoryea Gibson echoed these sentiments, highlighting the extensive investigative efforts involved in the case. “Today’s indictment of Matthew Weiss underscores the commitment and meticulous investigative efforts of our law enforcement professionals,” said Gibson. “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.” 

If convicted on all counts, Weiss faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison for each count of unauthorized access to computers. Additionally, each count of aggravated identity theft carries a potential penalty of two years in prison. Notably, a conviction for aggravated identity theft mandates a two-year mandatory minimum sentence, which must be served consecutively to any other sentence imposed for the underlying charges. 

Conclusion

The case is still in its early stages, and Weiss, like any defendant, is entitled to the presumption of innocence unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. However, the indictment presents a disturbing picture of the misuse of technology and the violation of individuals’ privacy. This case serves as a reminder of the risks associated with unauthorized access to personal data and the potential for identity theft, which can have long-lasting consequences for victims. 

The prosecution of Weiss is being led by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Timothy Wyse and Patrick Corbett, with the investigation being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case will continue to unfold, and authorities are likely to pursue further action to ensure that those responsible for identity theft and unauthorized access to personal data are held accountable.

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