Former University of Michigan Football Coach Charged with Identity Theft
DETROIT, Mich. – Matthew Weiss, a former Co-Offensive Coordinator at the University of Michigan, is facing a series of charges related to identity theft and unauthorized computer access. Weiss, 42, from Ann Arbor, has been charged with 14 counts of unauthorized access to computers and 10 counts of aggravated identity theft.
According to information released by the Department of Justice, the alleged crimes took place between 2015 and January 2023. The indictment claims Weiss gained unauthorized access to student-athlete databases maintained by a third-party vendor, encompassing over 100 colleges and universities. Once inside these databases, Weiss allegedly downloaded the personally identifiable information and medical data of over 150,000 athletes.
Utilizing this information, along with his own internet research, Weiss is also accused of gaining access to the social media, email, and/or cloud storage accounts of more than 2,000 target athletes. Furthermore, he is accused of illegally obtaining access to the accounts of over 1,300 additional students and alumni from universities across the country. Prosecutors allege that Weiss downloaded personal and intimate digital photographs and videos from these accounts, which were never intended to be shared beyond intimate relationships.
If found guilty, Weiss could face a maximum sentence of five years in prison for each count of unauthorized access to computers and two years for each count of aggravated identity theft.
Acting U.S. Attorney Julie Beck stated, “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.”
