Former High Museum executive accused of stealing more than $600K, federal officials say
By Grace King, John Dodge
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ATLANTA, Georgia (WXIA) — A former top executive at the High Museum of Art is facing a federal charge after prosecutors say he stole more than $600,000 from the Atlanta museum by altering invoices and approving payments for personal purchases.
Federal prosecutors said Brady Lum, the museum’s former chief operating officer, was arraigned Friday on a charge of theft involving programs that receive federal funds. Lum entered a not guilty plea, but his attorney, Don Samuel, indicated to the judge they’re “ultimately” moving towards a guilty plea.
Lum waived his right to an indictment. The judge set him on an unsecured $10,000 bond and restricted his travel to the state of Georgia, though he’s allowed to attend his daughter’s graduation in Texas on May 7.
According to federal prosecutors, Lum allegedly used his position at the museum to funnel money for personal purchases over several years.
“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,” U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg said in a statement.
Authorities said Lum served as the High Museum’s chief operating officer from Jan. 2, 2019, until he resigned Dec. 9, 2025. In that role, prosecutors said he oversaw the museum’s operations and finances. According to IRS filings, Lum earned $359,000 in salary and related compensation in 2023.
Investigators say Lum repeatedly used museum funds to buy personal items and services, including luxury guitars, music equipment, music lessons and woodworking tools.
Officials said he carried out the alleged scheme by submitting altered invoices, approving his own expenses and spreading transactions across multiple cost centers to avoid suspicion.
Court documents describe one example from Nov. 29, 2024.
Prosecutors say Lum submitted a reimbursement request showing a purchase of equipment worth $9,147.87 that appeared to be for museum use. Investigators later found the original invoice was for a guitar and accessories.
Over time, authorities allege Lum stole more than $600,000 from the museum.
“We expect officials of one of our community’s historic institutions to serve as stewards — not to loot it,” said Marlo Graham, special agent in charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Atlanta Field Office.
Lum, 59, of Atlanta, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Christopher C. Bly for arraignment.
The High Museum is one of Atlanta’s best-known cultural institutions, with a collection of more than 20,000 works of art and a rotating schedule of exhibitions and community programs.
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