Brady Lum, the former chief operating officer at Atlanta’s High Museum of Art, pleaded guilty on Monday to a federal charge of theft, admitting to embezzling over $600,000 from the museum. According to an announcement from the Justice Department, Lum engaged in fraudulent activities by doctoring invoices and approving transactions for personal purchases.
Details of the Embezzlement Scheme
Over several years, Lum deceptively plundered the southeast’s premier museum of visual art, as stated by US Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “Criminals like Lum who steal from institutions that receive taxpayer money to serve the public will face prison time for their thievery and be compelled to repay their ill-gotten gains,” Hertzberg emphasized.
Lum held his position from 2019 until his resignation amid a probe in 2025. His responsibilities included overseeing the museum’s operational and financial activities. During his tenure, he purchased non-business items, including an expensive guitar, personal music lessons, and woodworking equipment.
Methods of Deception
To cover up his theft, Lum submitted altered invoices and used his position to approve expenses. The Justice Department revealed that he manipulated accounting adjustments to disguise his expenses across different cost centers, making them less identifiable. For instance, he submitted over $9,000 in costs for a guitar and related accessories, falsely presenting the invoice as beneficial to the institution.
In total, Lum received more than 700 reimbursements, with most being for less than $1,000. As stated by Marlo Graham, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta, “As he admitted in court, Brady Lum breached the trust of his organization and undermined the integrity of the museum.”
Consequences and Restitution
A sentencing hearing is scheduled for November 2. As part of his plea agreement, Lum will pay full restitution to the museum. The High Museum, located on Peachtree Street in Midtown Atlanta, is the largest museum for visual art in the Southeast, housing over 20,300 artworks in various collections.
- Embezzled amount: $600,000
- Duration of scheme: Several years
- Number of reimbursements: 700+
- Cost of guitar and accessories: $9,000
- Sentencing hearing date: November 2
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