Museum Executive Jailed For $607K Theft

A former High Museum of Art executive was sentenced to one year in federal prison Monday after stealing more than $607,000 from the Atlanta institution to pay for guitars, music lessons, and other personal purchases.

Years of Altered Invoices and Improper Reimbursements

Lum, 60, served as chief operating officer from January 2, 2019, until his resignation on December 9, 2025.

Over 700 Reimbursements for Guitar Purchases

In one example, a November 29, 2024, submission presented $9,147.87 in guitar-related purchases as equipment for the museum. Lum obtained more than 700 reimbursements, most for less than $1,000.

One Year Prison Sentence and Restitution

U.S.District Judge Michael L.Brown imposed one year in prison followed by one year of supervised release.Lum paid $607,688.18 in restitution before sentencing and approximately $500,000 more to reimburse the museum for legal expenses.

U.S. Attorney's Statement on Theft

U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg said, 'Lum brazenly pilfered hundreds of thousands of dollars from a beloved civic institution to pay for his high-end guitars and other personal items.'

“Lum brazenly pilfered hundreds of thousands of dollars from a beloved civic institution to pay for his high-end guitars and other personal items”

Art Heists Resurface in Texas

Other notorious art crimes, including several with ties to Texas, have left investigators pursuing stolen treasures for decades.