The man used a keylogger to make sure he would be elected student council president

Mar 23, 2013 09:43 GMT  ·  By

Matthew Weaver, aged 22, a former student of California State University San Marcos, has admitted stealing the identities and passwords of 745 students in an attempt to influence campus elections.

According to U-T San Diego, in March 2012, Weaver was running for president of the campus’ student council. To make sure he would beat his opponent, he used a keylogger to steal student passwords, which he later utilized to cast around 480 votes for himself and his friends.

It’s worth noting that the student council president is paid $8,000 (6,100 EUR) per year.

The fraud was uncovered and the results of the election were thrown out.

Now, Weaver has pleaded guilty to access wire fraud, access device fraud and unauthorized use of a computer.

For his crimes, could spend between 27 and 33 months in prison. The sentencing will take place in June.