Former Legg Middle School Woodshop Teacher Accused of Using Artificial Intelligence to Molest Students

*COLDWATER, MI* — A former Coldwater middle school teacher is facing a barrage of felony charges after allegedly using an artificial intelligence application to transform images of female students into nude photographs.

Keith Johnson, 58, was arrested Thursday, April 2, 2026, at Legg Middle School where he worked as a woodshop teacher. His phone was seized during the arrest, according to Branch County Prosecutor Zachary Stempien.

The victims were all Branch County residents and students at Legg Middle School, the complaint states.

"Many of the girls indicated that they knew the suspect as either a woodshop teacher or soccer coach. Two of the girls described a fairly close relationship with the suspect wherein he attended their dance recitals, went up north to summer camps with them, and bought them gifts and items," the complaint states.

Johnson was initially investigated by the Calhoun County Sheriff's Office in February 2025 for allegedly recording unclothed persons in that county. He was sentenced to probation in that case.

"During the course of the Calhoun County investigation, evidence was found that the Defendant had taken images of clothed underage girls and used an application to alter them into nude photographs. Further investigation was completed by the Coldwater Police Department to identify the children depicted in the photographs and as a result, the above charges were authorized by Prosecutor Stempien," the Branch County Prosecutor's Office said in a statement.

Charges Include Four Counts of Child Sexually Abusive Activity

The Branch County Prosecuting Attorney's office announced the following charges against Johnson:

  • Four counts of child sexually abusive activity (punishable by up to 20 years in prison)
  • One count of using a computer to commit a 20-year-or-more felony (punishable by up to 20 years in prison)
  • One count of using a computer to commit a felony of 4 years or more but less than 10 (punishable by up to 7 years in prison)
  • Four counts of possession of child sexually abusive material (punishable by up to 4 years in prison)

Johnson was arrested at his workplace, Legg Middle School, where he is no longer employed. He is currently held in the Branch County Jail awaiting arraignment.

Coldwater Schools Superintendent Confirms Teacher Removed

Coldwater Community Schools Superintendent Paul Flynn released a statement confirming Johnson was removed from his position and subsequently resigned.

"As part of our ongoing commitment to transparency, we are providing an update regarding the investigation first communicated in February 2025. Former Legg Middle School teacher Keith Johnson was arrested today in connection with that investigation, which involves allegations of using a computer to commit a crime and unlawful surveillance. Mr. Johnson was removed from his position at that time and subsequently resigned. This investigation included interviews with a limited number of students, conducted in the presence of their parents. At no time were students in danger or aware of the alleged actions. The safety of our students and staff remains our highest priority. We appreciate the professionalism and timely communication of the Coldwater City Police Department and the Branch County Prosecuting Attorney's Office. We will continue to cooperate fully with law enforcement and will provide additional updates as appropriate."

Multi-Agency Investigation

The investigation was assisted by multiple law enforcement agencies, including:

  • Calhoun County Sheriff's Department
  • Michigan State Cyber Crimes Unit
  • Federal Bureau of Investigation
  • Three Rivers Police Department
  • Coldwater Police Department

Prior Case in Calhoun County

Johnson was initially investigated in February 2025 by Calhoun County detectives for allegedly recording unclothed persons in that county. He was sentenced to probation in that case, though evidence from that investigation led to the discovery of the AI-generated child sexual abuse material.

During the Calhoun County investigation, prosecutors discovered that Johnson had taken images of clothed underage girls and used an application to alter them into nude photographs. Further investigation by the Coldwater Police Department identified the specific children depicted in the photographs, leading to the expanded charges.

Arraignment Set for Today

Johnson is expected to be arraigned today in Branch County Court. His attorney has not been identified at press time.

"The Branch County Prosecuting Attorney's office was assisted by the Calhoun County Sheriff's Department, Michigan State Cyber Crimes Unit, Federal Bureau of Investigations, Three Rivers Police Department, and Coldwater Police Department," the prosecutor's office stated.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact the Coldwater Police Department.