Former University of Michigan Co-Offensive Coordinator Matthew Weiss has been indicted on charges related to unauthorized computer access and identity theft. The 42-year-old from Ann Arbor faces a 24-count indictment, including 14 counts of unauthorized access to computers and 10 counts of aggravated identity theft. Acting United States Attorney Julie A. Beck made the announcement.
Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office, joined Beck in the announcement. According to the indictment, between approximately 2015 and January 2023, Weiss accessed student athlete databases from over 100 colleges and universities without authorization. These databases were maintained by a third-party vendor. Weiss allegedly downloaded personal information and medical data of more than 150,000 athletes.
Using this information along with his own research, Weiss reportedly gained access to social media, email, and cloud storage accounts of over 2,000 athletes. He also accessed accounts belonging to more than 1,300 additional students or alumni from various universities across the country. It is alleged that he downloaded personal digital photographs and videos intended for intimate partners only.
Acting U.S. Attorney Julie Beck stated: "Our office will move aggressively to prosecute computer hacking to protect the private accounts of our citizens." She emphasized readiness with law enforcement partners to bring offenders to justice.
Special Agent Cheyvoryea Gibson highlighted the commitment and investigative efforts involved in the case: "Today’s indictment of Matthew Weiss underscores the commitment and meticulous investigative efforts of our law enforcement professionals."
If convicted, Weiss could face up to five years imprisonment for each count of unauthorized access and two years for each count of aggravated identity theft. A conviction for aggravated identity theft carries a mandatory minimum sentence of two years consecutive to any other sentence imposed.
It is important to note that an indictment is merely a charge and not evidence of guilt; it remains the government's responsibility to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
The prosecution team includes Assistant United States Attorneys Timothy Wyse and Patrick Corbett, while the investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.