Introduction

In a stunning turn of events, former University of Michigan co-offensive coordinator Matt Weiss is at the center of a hacking scandal that has sent shockwaves through the college football community. Law enforcement has seized a vast collection of electronic devices from Weiss' home and office, revealing a deeply troubling story of unauthorized access to thousands of college athletes' personal accounts.

Details of the Investigation

Between January 10 and February 2, 2023, at least 14 search warrants were signed by Magistrate Tamara Garwood from the 15th District Court in Ann Arbor. These warrants provided investigators with the authority to search Weiss's residence and office, as well as various meeting rooms at Schembechler Hall and the campus Administrative Services Building.

Accusations Against Matt Weiss

The investigation centers around a series of alarming accusations against Weiss, who has been indicted on 24 separate counts, including 14 counts of unauthorized access to computers and 10 counts of aggravated identity theft. The indictment claims that between 2015 and 2023, Weiss targeted female college athletes, allegedly stealing intimate photos and videos from their accounts. Two former female UM student-athletes have even filed lawsuits against him, asserting that he violated their privacy in a shocking breach of trust.

Items Seized by Law Enforcement

Law enforcement documents detail the specific items seized during the investigation, which include: - Three HP ProDesk 600 desktop computers from various locations within the coaching facilities. - Multiple Apple devices, including an iPad and a MacBook Pro. - Several external drives and USB drives that investigators suspect were used to store the illegally obtained content. - A collection of SD cards from both personal devices and video cameras.

Search Permissions Granted

The authorities received permission to thoroughly search Weiss' homes on Norway Road and Glendaloch Circle in Ann Arbor. While it's unclear which residence the seized items came from, they are currently being held by the University of Michigan Police Department in their Digital Forensics Lab.

Origin of the Investigation

The investigation began as a result of alleged computer crimes occurring at Schembechler Hall over a short span in late December 2022, but it only surfaced in public police logs a few weeks later. The FBI has since joined the investigation, signaling the seriousness of the allegations. Reports indicate that Weiss may have gained illegal access to sensitive databases containing personal, medical, and private information of over 150,000 athletes from more than 100 colleges and universities.

Potential Consequences

If convicted, Weiss faces significant penalties, including up to five years for each computer-related charge and two years for identity theft charges. This scandal not only threatens his career but also raises questions about the safety and privacy of student-athletes across the country.

Conclusion

As the case unfolds, it highlights an urgent need for stronger protective measures surrounding sensitive personal data in the realm of college athletics. This shocking revelation has left many wondering how deep the breach of trust truly runs and what it means for the future of collegiate sports. Stay tuned as we continue to follow this developing story that has left the sports world reeling!