Retired Air Force Major and Former Substitute Teacher Arrested on Multiple Child Sexual Exploitation Charges in Leeds

Daniel Brown(Jefferson County Jail)

T.L. Sullivan | The Weekly Ledger News | Local News

LEEDS, Ala. — A retired U.S. Air Force major and former substitute teacher has been arrested in Leeds on multiple felony charges involving the sexual exploitation of children, following a law enforcement search and ongoing multi-agency investigation.

Daniel Martin Brown, 63, was taken into custody by the Leeds Police Department and booked into the Jefferson County Jail on Thursday, January 1. According to authorities, Brown was initially held in the St. Clair County Jail on December 31 after police executed a search warrant at his residence on New Year’s Eve. He was later transferred to Jefferson County.

Leeds Police Chief Paul Irwin confirmed that investigators recovered numerous electronic devices, along with videos and images believed to depict the exploitation of minors. Irwin stated that evidence indicated the recordings were created over an extended period of time. Because Brown has lived in multiple states, investigators believe some victims have not yet been identified.

Chief Irwin described the case as deeply disturbing, saying Brown’s actions represented a serious betrayal of trust.

Irwin further confirmed that Brown previously worked as a substitute teacher with Leeds City Schools, licensed beginning in January 2021, and also served as a substitute teacher in Broward County, Florida. In addition to his teaching background, Brown is a retired Air Force major and was currently serving as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Civil Air Patrol.

Brown now faces an array of serious criminal charges, including:

• Possession with intent to distribute child sexual abuse material

• Production of pornography involving minors

• Producing obscene material

• Sexual abuse of a child under the age of 12

“He’s a sick individual, and I’m glad he’s in jail. Now, we need to make sure he’s punished.” - Leeds Police Chief Paul Irwin

He is currently being held on a $1.8 million bond. Chief Irwin said investigators are also consulting with federal authorities, and additional federal charges may be pursued through the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Law enforcement officials emphasized that the investigation remains active and ongoing, particularly as they work to identify potential victims and review extensive digital evidence.

Anyone with information relevant to the case is encouraged to contact the Leeds Police Department or the appropriate law enforcement authorities.

The Weekly Ledger News will continue to follow developments in this story and provide updates as more information becomes available.

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