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Fraud

Former University of Michigan Coach Matthew Weiss Faces Up to 20 Years in Prison for Alleged Hacking Scheme

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The attorneys for Matthew Weiss, a former University of Michigan offensive coordinator accused of stealing intimate photos of nearly 150,000 student athletes, have filed a motion to dismiss 24 fraud charges, arguing that federal prosecutors are attempting to "turbocharge punishments" for what they consider a "routine computer trespass." Weiss is facing three fraud charges, with counts 11-20 specifically addressing fraud via identification documents. If convicted under the proposed theory, Weiss could face up to 20 years in prison.

Key Takeaways:

  • Weiss' attorneys, David Benowitz and Paulette Pagan, argue that federal prosecutors are treating routine digital trespassing as aggravated identity theft, which could net Weiss up to 20 years in prison.
  • The motion to dismiss claims that prosecutors are attempting to create a test case out of Weiss' prosecution, and that the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act does not support the government's novel theory.
  • Weiss is alleged to have illegally accessed a database of athletes at more than 100 universities and colleges, downloaded their personal data, and stole key account identifiers like login information.
  • The former coordinator is facing a separate civil lawsuit from over 50 women who said they were victims of Weiss' hacking.
  • Weiss' criminal case is still in its early stages, and he has not faced trial or been convicted of a crime.

Statistics:

  • 24 counts of fraud, with 11-20 specifically addressing fraud via identification documents
  • 150,000 student athletes allegedly affected by Weiss' alleged hacking scheme
  • Up to 20 years in prison if convicted under the proposed theory
  • 10 counts that require the court to take on a broad reading of the aggravated identity theft statute
  • 50+ women filing a civil lawsuit against Weiss for allegedly stealing intimate photos of student athletes

Sources:

  • [https://michiganadvance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/show_temp.pl_.pdf](https://michiganadvance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/show_temp.pl_.pdf)
  • [https://michiganadvance.com/donate/?oa_referrer=midstorybox](https://michiganadvance.com/donate/?oa_referrer=midstorybox)
  • [https://michiganadvance.com/2025/04/15/women-fight-back-as-ex-u-of-m-coach-is-accused-of-stealing-intimate-images-of-student-athletes/](https://michiganadvance.com/2025/04/15/women-fight-back-as-ex-u-of-m-coach-is-accused-of-stealing-intimate-images-of-student-athletes/)
  • [https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/22pdf/22-10_ifjn.pdf](https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/22pdf/22-10_ifjn.pdf)
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