Michael Lance Brown, 36, a former high school volleyball coach at Valley Head High School in Alabama, was arrested on Tuesday, July 1, 2025.
He has been arrested on a series of felony charges related to child pornography, illegal surveillance, and unauthorized recordings.
Brown, a resident of Cloudland, Georgia, was taken into custody following a joint investigation between the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
He is currently being held without bond at the Chattooga County Jail.
Michael Lance Brown Was A Volleyball Coach
The allegations against Brown have sparked outrage and concern throughout the DeKalb County and Chattooga County communities.
As a volleyball coach, Brown held a position of trust and influence over students, a role now clouded by serious accusations of exploitation and misconduct.
Investigators allege Brown not only produced, uploaded, and distributed child pornography but also used hidden cameras to record individuals without their knowledge or consent.
Authorities have not yet disclosed where the recordings were made or the identities of the victims.
According to Investigator Daniel Sanford, Brown’s online activity, including the transmission of sexually explicit content, played a significant role in the investigation.
His arrest was the culmination of a multi-agency effort involving cybercrime tracking and digital forensics.
Brown appeared before a judge on Wednesday, July 2, and was denied bond, remaining behind bars as the investigation continues.
School District Has Responded Swiftly
The DeKalb County School System confirmed Brown’s employment and released a public statement acknowledging the arrest.
In the statement, Superintendent Wayne Lyles and the Board of Education emphasized that the charges do not involve any Valley Head High School students or activities on school grounds.
“Due to the serious nature of the allegations, Mr. Brown has been removed from all duties pending the outcome of the investigation. The safety and privacy of our students remain our top priority. We are cooperating fully with law enforcement and will take all appropriate actions to ensure the protection of our students and staff.”
The district also announced the launch of an internal investigation to determine whether any school policies or protocols were breached.
Parents, students, and community members expressed deep concern and heartbreak following the news.
Many described Brown as a familiar face within the school’s athletic programs, making the allegations even more challenging to process.
Law enforcement agencies have urged anyone with information related to the case to come forward.
The DeKalb County School System encourages parents and students with concerns to contact their school counselors or law enforcement as needed.
