Former High Museum of Art COO charged with federal theft

Prosecutors accuse Brady Lum of embezzling over $600,000 from the Atlanta institution

Apr. 15, 2026 at 3:52am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a stack of cash and financial documents, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually illustrating the financial irregularities at the High Museum of Art.The alleged embezzlement scheme at the High Museum of Art exposed vulnerabilities in the institution's financial oversight.Atlanta Today

The former chief operating officer of Atlanta's High Museum of Art, Brady Lum, has pleaded not guilty to a federal theft charge in U.S. District Court. Prosecutors accuse Lum of using his position to embezzle more than $600,000 from the museum by doctoring invoices and approving transactions to create a personal 'slush fund' for luxury guitars, music equipment, personal lessons, and woodworking tools.

Why it matters

The High Museum is one of Atlanta's most prominent cultural institutions, and this case raises concerns about financial oversight and accountability at non-profit organizations entrusted with public funds and community resources.

The details

According to court documents, Lum's alleged scheme involved falsified or inflated vendor payments routed through museum accounts over an unspecified period of time. The U.S. Attorney's Office stated that Lum 'betrayed one of Atlanta's civic crown jewels' by using the museum's money as his personal slush fund.

  • Lum pleaded not guilty to the federal theft charge on April 14, 2026.
  • Financial irregularities at the High Museum were first identified in December, triggering a federal investigation into the museum's financial records.

The players

Brady Lum

The former chief operating officer of the High Museum of Art in Atlanta, who is accused of embezzling over $600,000 from the museum.

Woodruff Arts Center

The parent organization that oversees the High Museum of Art, which previously acknowledged 'financial irregularities' at the museum.

Theodore S. Hertzberg

The U.S. Attorney who stated that Lum 'betrayed one of Atlanta's civic crown jewels' by allegedly using the museum's money as his personal slush fund.

Marlo Graham

The FBI Atlanta Special Agent in Charge who said the FBI remains 'unwavering in its pursuit to hold accountable those who exploit their positions for selfish purposes.'

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Theodore S. Hertzberg, U.S. Attorney

“We expect officials of one of our communities' historic institutions to serve as stewards — not to loot it.”

— Marlo Graham, FBI Atlanta Special Agent in Charge

What’s next

Lum is scheduled to return to court for further proceedings in the case.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for stronger financial oversight and accountability measures at non-profit organizations, especially those entrusted with public funds and community resources. It raises concerns about the potential for abuse of power and the importance of ensuring that leaders of prominent institutions act as responsible stewards of the public's trust.