DETROIT (AP) — Matthew Weiss, a former assistant football coach at the University of Michigan, has been indicted on 24 counts related to cybercrimes, including unauthorized access to computer systems and identity theft. According to a CBS News report, Weiss allegedly hacked into the computer accounts of thousands of student-athletes, downloading private and intimate photos without consent.

The indictment, filed in federal court, alleges that from 2015 to January 2023, Weiss illegally accessed databases maintained by a third-party vendor holding records for over 150,000 athletes from more than 100 universities. He has been charged with 14 counts of unauthorized access and 10 counts of identity theft, targeting primarily female athletes based on school affiliation and athletic performance. According to the ABC News, Weiss gained access to their email, social media, and cloud storage accounts, exploiting weaknesses in the security protocols.

The indictment describes Weiss as a skilled hacker who "cracked the encryption" on numerous passwords and kept detailed notes on the individuals he targeted. The federal authorities claimed that Weiss's goal was to obtain "private photographs and videos" never intended for public viewing, as indicated in a statement from acting U.S. Attorney Julie Beck, who stated the office would "move aggressively to prosecute computer hacking to protect the private accounts of our citizens."

This case came to light following Weiss's dismissal from his coaching position in January 2023, during which the University of Michigan's police department initiated an investigation into his online activities. Weiss had previously held coaching roles with the Baltimore Ravens before his tenure at Michigan HuffPost.

Facing a potential prison sentence of up to five years for each unauthorized access charge and two years for each aggravated identity theft count if convicted, Weiss's next court appearance remains to be scheduled. The case emphasizes ongoing concerns regarding digital privacy and security in an era of increasing technological vulnerability for individuals, particularly within the collegiate environment.

The investigation involved collaboration between the FBI and university police, reinforcing the commitment to protecting citizens' digital integrity.