Matt Weiss, the former quarterbacks coach and co-offensive coordinator for the University of Michigan football team, now faces a staggering 24 charges related to cybercrime, as revealed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office. These serious allegations unfold against the backdrop of an extensive investigation that has left both the university community and beyond reeling.
- Matt Weiss faces 24 cybercrime charges.
- Investigation followed Weiss' firing in January 2023.
- Hacked databases of over 100 colleges.
- Targeted female student-athletes for personal data.
- Risks up to five years per computer charge.
- FBI and university police collaborated on case.
The charges derive from an ongoing investigation that began over two years ago, culminating in Weiss’s firing in January 2023. University police began probing his activities amid concerns about potential computer-access crimes associated with the football program. Weiss, at just 42 years old, has been charged with 14 counts of unauthorized access to computers and 10 counts of aggravated identity theft.
Investigators allege that between 2015 and January 2023, Weiss hacked into student-athlete databases belonging to more than 100 colleges, databases that had been managed by a third-party vendor. Officials assert that upon accessing these databases, Weiss downloaded a trove of “personally identifiable information and medical data of over 150,000 athletes.” Reports suggest that Weiss primarily targeted female student-athletes, conducting extensive research to select his victims based on their school affiliation, athletic history, and various physical attributes. His motivations were sobering; authorities claim Weiss aimed to retrieve private photographs and videos never intended for public consumption.
The scope of the alleged cyber intrusions is alarming. Weiss is accused of breaching the email, social media, and even cloud storage accounts of over 2,000 student-athletes, extending his reach to include information pertaining to more than 1,300 additional students and alumni across the nation. According to sources, after gaining access, he illicitly downloaded numerous intimate images and videos, a shocking and deeply invasive action that has raised significant concerns regarding privacy and safety in the realm of college athletics.
Acting U.S. Attorney Julie Beck emphasized the seriousness of these actions, 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.” This statement reflects a broader commitment to combat cybercrime, signaling to the public that such violations won’t be brushed aside.
Since Weiss’s indictment, authorities have highlighted the meticulous investigative efforts undertaken by agencies, including the FBI Detroit Cyber Task Force. Cheyvoryea Gibson, the Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan, noted the dedication of law enforcement in safeguarding the community, stating that the investigation was a result of relentless collaboration with the University of Michigan Police Department.
For Weiss, the stakes are particularly high. If convicted, he could face up to five years in prison for each count of unauthorized computer access, alongside two years for each count of aggravated identity theft. Notably, a mandatory two-year sentence accompanies any aggravated identity theft conviction.
The implications of this case extend far beyond Weiss’s personal and professional life; they cast a long shadow over the culture of collegiate athletics and the vulnerabilities present within digital ecosystems. Weiss’s coaching career, which had flourished at Michigan since 2021 and included a previous tenure with the Baltimore Ravens from 2009 to 2020, now appears irrevocably tarnished.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the University of Michigan has yet to issue a public statement, raising questions about its response to such severe allegations against a former staff member. The university community, along with observers nationwide, watches closely as this unsettling case progresses, aware that it could reshape conversations about cybersecurity and the protection of student-athletes’ personal information.
As the legal process continues, one thing remains clear: the ramifications of Weiss’s actions will likely echo well beyond the confines of a courtroom, touching on critical issues of privacy, trust, and security in an increasingly digital age.
