School Computer Tech Arrested for Child Exploitation, Surveillance in Chattooga County
Michael Lance Brown, 36, of Cloudland, a computer technician for DeKalb County Schools, was arrested today on charges related to manufacturing and distributing child pornography, as well as unlawfully videoing others. The arrest is the result of an ongoing investigation by Inv. Daniel Sanford of the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office and the United States Department of Homeland Security.
The investigation revealed that Brown was allegedly manufacturing, uploading, and sending child pornography online. He is also accused of utilizing a hidden video recorder to obtain images.
Brown faces multiple felony charges, including:
- Sexual Exploitation of Children (6 counts)
- Computer or Electronic Pornography and Child Exploitation (6 counts)
- Unlawful Eavesdropping or Surveillance (11 counts)
- Possession of Eavesdropping Device (2 counts)
- Surreptitious Recording of Intimate Parts (11 counts)
- Transmission of Photography or Video Depicting Nudity or Sexually Explicit Conduct of an Adult (5 counts)
Brian Thomas, Chief of Staff for DeKalb County Schools, stated that the district is aware of Brown’s arrest and is fully cooperating with law enforcement. Thomas emphasized that the district has no information indicating the alleged conduct occurred on school property or involved any of the district’s students.
Brown was hired by the DeKalb County School District on November 7, 2022, as a Computer Technician. His background check, completed on November 8, 2022, showed no reported issues. The district also stated that there were no reports or suspicions of misconduct by Brown prior to his arrest during his employment. Brown is currently on administrative leave from the District.
