BOSTON, MA – Today, a former college track and field coach, Steve Waithe, 30, of Chicago, Illinois, pleaded guilty to multiple counts of cyber fraud, including wire fraud, cyberstalking, and computer fraud, in a Boston federal court. The scheme involved deceiving women across the country into sending him explicit photos through sham social media and email accounts. U.S. District Court Judge Patti B. Saris scheduled sentencing for March 6, 2024. Waithe was initially arrested in April 2021 and later indicted by a federal grand jury in December 2021.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy condemned Waithe’s actions, emphasizing the trauma inflicted on numerous innocent victims. He stressed the commitment to justice and the protection of communities against such predators.
FBI Special Agent in Charge Jodi Cohen remarked on the gravity of cyberstalking, highlighting Waithe’s abuse of his position of trust. Cohen emphasized the FBI’s dedication to combating such crimes and the importance of reporting them.
Waithe previously worked as a track and field coach at several academic institutions, including Northeastern University and Penn State University. While at Northeastern, he obtained explicit photos from female student-athletes’ phones under false pretenses and later used various online personas to extort nude or semi-nude photos from women.
The investigation revealed Waithe’s elaborate and evolving schemes, including creating false female personas and conducting a fake study to obtain explicit photos. He also cyberstalked a victim, hacking her Snapchat account and sending threatening messages.
Investigators uncovered over a dozen fake social media accounts linked to Waithe and identified numerous victims. His internet history showed attempts to learn how to anonymously conduct these activities and hack accounts.
The public is encouraged to contact authorities with any relevant information regarding this case. More details and victim resources are available on the U.S. Attorney’s Office website.