Overview
- The guilty plea, which came Monday, July 13, 2026, was entered before U.S. District Judge Michael L. Brown and sets sentencing for November 2 with an agreement that Lum must repay the museum in full.
- Federal prosecutors say Brady Lum used his expense-approval power to submit altered invoices and accounting adjustments that disguised more than 700 reimbursements, most under $1,000, to steal over $600,000.
- Officials identified specific personal purchases that were billed to the museum, including high-end guitars and accessories, music lessons, sound equipment, and woodworking tools, with one altered invoice for $9,147.87 shown as museum equipment.
- Lum served as the High Museum’s chief operating officer from January 2019 until his resignation on December 9, 2025, and the Justice Department charged the theft as involving programs that receive federal funds so federal authorities led the prosecution.
- The case has prompted public rebukes from the U.S. Attorney and the FBI and raises questions about the museum’s internal controls and what reforms or audits the High Museum and its funders will order next.