Lansing: Former University of Michigan coach Matt Weiss faces 24 cybercrime charges, authorities announced.
Weiss, 42, is accused of hacking college databases to access private student information.
He allegedly targeted student-athletes, stealing personal and medical data from over 150,000 individuals.
Weiss reportedly accessed email, social media, and cloud storage accounts of more than 2,000 athletes.
Officials say he primarily sought private photos and videos of female student-athletes.
Alleged Activities
Authorities claim Weiss researched and selected victims based on school, athletic history, and physical traits.
He allegedly used hacked credentials to access personal images never meant for public viewing.
Weiss is accused of illegally obtaining private data from 1,300 additional students and alumni.
The hacking reportedly took place between 2015 and January 2023.
Weiss was fired in January 2023 amid a university police probe into cybercrimes.
Investigative Findings
Officials say Weiss targeted more than 100 colleges through a third-party vendor’s database.
Authorities discovered he used stolen credentials to bypass security protections.
Weiss allegedly stored and shared some of the stolen personal content.
He reportedly exploited student-athlete records to gain access to their personal accounts.
University officials first detected suspicious activity in a football building’s computers.
Prosecutor’s Statement
Acting U.S. Attorney Julie Beck condemned Weiss’s actions.
“We will prosecute cybercriminals to protect private accounts of citizens,” Beck stated.
Beck emphasized law enforcement’s commitment to justice in privacy-related crimes.
Authorities aim to hold hackers accountable for violating people’s personal security.
Federal prosecutors continue working with the FBI and Michigan police.
FBI Involvement
Special Agent Cheyvoryea Gibson praised law enforcement efforts in the case.
“The FBI Detroit Cyber Task Force worked relentlessly to protect our community,” he said.
Agents collaborated closely with the University of Michigan Police Department.
Federal investigators worked for over two years to gather sufficient evidence.
Gibson reaffirmed the FBI’s dedication to stopping cybercriminals.
Legal Consequences
Weiss faces up to five years in prison for each unauthorized access charge.
He is charged with 14 counts of unauthorized computer access.
Additionally, he faces 10 counts of aggravated identity theft.
Aggravated identity theft carries a mandatory two-year sentence per count.
If convicted, Weiss could serve decades in prison.
Coaching Background
Weiss coached Michigan’s quarterbacks in 2021.
He was promoted to co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach in 2022.
Before Michigan, he spent 11 years with the Baltimore Ravens.
Weiss worked in various coaching roles in the NFL.
University Response
The University of Michigan fired Weiss after his alleged crimes were uncovered.
School officials expressed commitment to student safety and privacy.
They vowed to enhance security measures for sensitive student data.
Administrators are working closely with law enforcement on the investigation.
The university aims to prevent similar breaches in the future.
Public Reaction
News of Weiss’s indictment has shocked the sports community.
Many call for stricter security in student-athlete data protection.
The scandal has tarnished Weiss’s reputation in football.
Legal experts say the case highlights growing concerns about digital privacy.
Parents and students demand stronger cybersecurity at universities.
