By: SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
LEEDS, Ala. — A Jefferson County man with a background in public service and education has been arrested on nearly two dozen charges involving alleged child sexual abuse and child pornography, according to court records released Monday.
Daniel Martin Brown, 63, a retired U.S. Air Force major, lieutenant colonel in the Civil Air Patrol, and former substitute teacher in Alabama and Florida, faces 21 felony charges. Those include 10 counts of producing pornography involving a minor, 10 counts of possession of child pornography with intent to distribute, and one count of sex abuse of a child.
Brown is being held in the Jefferson County Jail on bonds totaling $1.8 million.
Leeds Police Chief Paul Irwin said the investigation began after an individual came forward and reported being a victim of Brown years ago. That report prompted authorities to obtain a search warrant, which was executed at Brown’s home on Southern Trace Circle on New Year’s Eve.
During the search, investigators seized hidden cameras, computers, and digital storage devices. Police said those devices allegedly contained hundreds of images and videos depicting child sexual abuse material, including content authorities believe Brown produced himself.
Brown was arrested and booked into the county jail on New Year’s Day.
Irwin said some of the victims are known to Brown and law enforcement, while others seen in the images and videos have not yet been identified. He also confirmed Brown has not worked as a substitute teacher in approximately four years.
“This is completely disgusting and heartbreaking for the victims,” Irwin said. “Someone who takes an oath to serve their country should not be causing this type of harm to children.”
Irwin also acknowledged the emotional toll such cases take on investigators.
The case remains under investigation. Brown is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
