Brady Lum, the former chief operating officer of the High Museum of Art, was arraigned on Apr. 14 on a federal charge of theft concerning programs receiving federal funds. Lum is accused of stealing more than $600,000 from the museum by altering invoices and approving transactions for personal purchases.
The case highlights concerns about accountability in nonprofit institutions and underscores efforts by federal authorities to prosecute those who abuse positions of trust. "While entrusted to run the High Museum, Lum allegedly used the museum’s money as his personal slush fund and thereby betrayed one of Atlanta’s civic crown jewels," said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. "Our office will move with swift precision to prosecute individuals who abuse positions of power and trust to enrich themselves at the expense of non-profit institutions." FBI Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Marlo Graham said, "We expect officials of one of our communities’ historic institutions to serve as stewards — not to loot it. The FBI remains unwavering in its pursuit to hold accountable those who exploit their positions for selfish purposes."
According to prosecutors, Lum served as chief operating officer from January 2, 2019 until his resignation on December 9, 2025. During that time he allegedly purchased luxury guitars, music equipment, lessons, and woodworking tools using museum funds through altered invoices and corporate credit card reimbursements while concealing these expenses across different cost centers.
One example cited was an incident on November 29, 2024 when Lum submitted an altered invoice for reimbursement that disguised a $9,147 purchase for a guitar and accessories as equipment intended for museum use.
Theodore S. Hertzberg held the position of United States Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia according to the official website. The U.S. Attorney's Office prioritizes prosecution against threats such as terrorism and civil rights violations according to its official website, enforces federal criminal laws while collaborating with law enforcement agencies as reported by its official site, serves a region covering north Georgia mountains through Atlanta suburbs according to its official website, coordinates cases with national or international scope according to its official website, and acts as principal federal law enforcement agency in its district as reported by its official site.
Lum was arraigned before U.S. Magistrate Judge Christopher C. Bly in Atlanta. Prosecutors reminded that charges are allegations only; defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty or admitting guilt in court.
This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas N. Joy.
