COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – A former Legg Middle School employee 58-year-old Keith Johnson was arrested Thursday on multiple felony charges related to child sexually abusive material, according to Branch County Prosecutor Zachary Stempien.
Investigations involving Coldwater police and the FBI allegedly revealed Johnson used a computer AI application to alter photos of underage girls into nude images.
Following an investigation that began in February 2025 by Calhoun County detectives, Johnson was arrested at Legg Middle School, where he worked at the time, and his phone was seized.
Further investigation by the Coldwater Police Department identified the victims, leading to multiple felony charges.
The charges against Johnson include:
- Four counts of Child Sexually Abusive Activity (punishable by up to 20years 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)
Thursday afternoon, Coldwater Community Schools Superintendent Paul Flynn released the following statement:
Dear Coldwater Community Schools Families,
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.
Johnson is no longer employed by Coldwater Schools and is currently held in the Branch County Jail awaiting arraignment.
The investigation was assisted by multiple law enforcement agencies, and authorities are requesting that anyone with further information contact the Coldwater Police Department.
He does not appear on the building’s staff directory. Has he already been terminated? What subject was he teaching or was he a para pro/substitute?