Coldwater Teacher Previously Convicted in Calhoun County Case Now Charged in Branch County
*COLDWATER, Michigan* — A former Legg Middle School teacher who was previously convicted in Calhoun County for voyeurism is now facing serious felony charges in Branch County, prosecutors said Friday.
Keith Johnson, 58, of Three Rivers, was arrested Thursday by Three Rivers police and charged with allegedly using an artificial intelligence application to alter images of female students into nude photographs, according to the Branch County Prosecuting Attorney's Office.
Johnson is charged with four counts of child sexually abusive activity, each punishable by up to 20 years in prison. He also faces one count of using a computer to commit a 20-year or more felony, one count of using a computer to commit a felony punishable by four years or more but less than 10 years, and four counts of possession of child sexually abusive material, each punishable by up to four years in prison.
"A former Coldwater middle school teacher previously accused in a Calhoun County voyeurism case is now facing additional felony charges involving child sexually abusive material, prosecutors said," News Channel 3 reported.
Investigation Uncovered Additional Criminal Activity
According to a release, the charges stem from a 2025 investigation in Calhoun County into reports of people being recorded without their knowledge. During that investigation, authorities say Johnson's cellphone was seized.
"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," the Branch County Prosecutor's Office said in a statement.
"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."
Coldwater Superintendent Paul Flynn said in a statement that Johnson was "removed from his position" and "subsequently resigned" after the district was made aware of the criminal investigation in February 2025.
"This investigation included interviews with a limited number of students, conducted in the presence of their parents," Flynn said.
"At no time were students in danger or aware of the alleged actions."
History of Prior Conviction
Johnson previously resided in Calhoun County and 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," the Branch County Prosecutor's Office said.
The Branch County Prosecuting Attorney's Office was assisted by the Calhoun County Sheriff's Department, Michigan State Cyber Crimes Unit, Federal Bureau of Investigation, as well as the police departments in Three Rivers and Coldwater.
Alleged Close Relationships with Victims
According to the complaint, the alleged victims were all Branch County residents and students at Legg Middle School.
"Many of the girls indicated that they knew the suspect as either a woodshop teacher or soccer coach," the complaint states.
"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 arraigned Thursday. His next court date is scheduled for April 16.
It was not immediately known if Johnson had a lawyer.
Community Reaction and Law Enforcement Response
The case has drawn attention from law enforcement agencies across multiple counties, with investigators working together to build their case against Johnson.
The Coldwater Police Department said they identified the children depicted in the photographs during their investigation, which led to the additional charges being filed by Branch County Prosecuting Attorney Zachary Stempien.
This case highlights the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in tracking and prosecuting crimes involving technology, particularly the use of artificial intelligence to create inappropriate images of minors.
"The Branch County Prosecuting Attorney's office was assisted by the Calhoun County Sheriff's Department, Michigan State Cyber Crimes Unit, Federal Bureau of Investigation, as well as the police departments in Three Rivers and Coldwater," authorities confirmed.
Next Steps in the Case
Johnson will appear before the 12th District Court for his next scheduled court date on April 16, 2026. His bond status was not immediately available.
The Michigan State Cyber Crimes Unit's involvement in this case underscores the serious nature of the allegations and the expertise required to investigate crimes involving digital evidence and artificial image manipulation.
"It was not immediately known if Johnson had a lawyer," Stempien's office stated.
The alleged incidents occurred over the 2025-2026 school year, according to prosecutors.