Retired Air Force major, former substitute teacher indicted on child porn charges

A retired U.S. Air Force major and former educator is now facing serious federal charges related to the production and possession of child sexual abuse material.

Daniel Martin Brown, a 63-year-old previously arrested by Leeds police, was hit with a federal indictment this week. Northern District of Alabama Acting U.S. Attorney Catherine L. Crosby confirmed that Brown is charged with four counts of sexual exploitation of children and one count of possession of child pornography.

Background on the Investigation

Brown, who served as a lieutenant colonel in the Civil Air Patrol and worked as a substitute teacher across Alabama and Florida, first drew the attention of law enforcement in January. At that time, he faced 21 state charges, including counts of producing pornography with a minor, possession of child pornography with intent to distribute, and child sex abuse.

According to Leeds Police Chief Paul Irwin, the investigation began when a long-time victim came forward. This initial report led police to execute a search warrant at Brown’s Southern Trace Circle residence on New Year’s Eve, where investigators uncovered evidence of more recent abuse.

Seized Evidence

The search of Brown’s property revealed a disturbing volume of material. Chief Irwin reported that detectives discovered hidden cameras and a vast collection of files on his computer. Evidence included hundreds of images and videos of child sexual abuse, many of which were personally produced by Brown on his own devices.

Brown was booked into the county jail on New Year’s Day with his bond set at approximately $2 million. While some victims in the case have been identified, others remain unknown due to the nature of the footage.

Ongoing Legal Proceedings

Chief Irwin noted that Brown has not been employed as a substitute teacher for about four years. Reflecting on the impact of the investigation, Irwin expressed his frustration regarding the nature of the evidence, stating it was heartbreaking to see the toll the case took on his officers who processed the material.

The federal investigation into Brown was conducted by the FBI, and the prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney R. Leann White.