A high school volleyball coach employed in Alabama was arrested Tuesday, July 1, 2025, on felony charges related to manufacturing and distributing child pornography and unlawfully video recording individuals without their consent. The arrest of Michael Lance Brown, 36, of Cloudland, Georgia, has sent shockwaves through communities in both Georgia and Alabama.

Brown was taken into custody as a result of an ongoing joint investigation conducted by the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office and the United States Department of Homeland Security. He is currently being held at the Chattooga County Jail.

According to a statement from Investigator Daniel Sanford of the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office, Brown is accused of producing, uploading, and sending child pornography online. The investigation also alleges that Brown utilized a hidden video recorder to obtain images of individuals without their consent. Law enforcement officials have not yet released details regarding the specific location of the alleged secret recordings.

The arrest has particularly stunned residents in the region served by Valley Head High School in neighboring DeKalb County, Alabama, where Brown was employed as a volleyball coach. His position placed him in a significant role of trust and authority with young students.

DeKalb County Schools promptly issued an official statement regarding the arrest. Superintendent of Education Wayne Lyles, along with Board Members Carol Hiett (Chairman), Robert Elliott (Vice Chairman), Kelly Armstrong, Monty Darwin, and Randy Peppers, confirmed the arrest of a school system employee.

“At this time, we can confirm that the charges are not connected to our students, and did not occur on our campuses,” the statement read. However, due to the serious nature of the allegations, DeKalb County Schools, in conjunction with the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office, has launched an internal investigation to ensure that the privacy, safety, and well-being of their students have not been compromised in any way.

The school system confirmed that Brown has been removed from all duties pending the outcome of the investigation. “The safety of our students is our top priority. We are working in full cooperation with law enforcement and will take all necessary steps to protect our students and staff. Any violation of trust or abuse of position will be met with immediate and appropriate action,” the statement continued.

DeKalb County Schools assured the community of their commitment to transparency, accountability, and the highest standards of student protection, requesting patience as the investigation continues.