BATTLE CREEK, Mich. – A Coldwater middle school teacher has been arrested and charged with multiple felonies after authorities discovered hidden recording devices in his home, south of Marshall. Keith Johnson, 57, of Eckford Township, was arraigned on Thursday in Calhoun County on three counts of eavesdropping and one count of using a computer to commit a crime, all felonies.
The charges stem from an incident reported by a woman living in Johnson’s home since December. According to court documents, the woman found two cameras disguised as cellphone USB plugs in her bedroom and a shared bathroom on Sunday. One camera was directed at her bed, while the other was pointed toward the shower. The woman, whose identity was not released, said she had not noticed the devices until recently.
Upon discovering the hidden cameras, she removed the SD cards from both devices. However, when she later checked the camera in the bathroom, she found a new SD card inserted. She brought the camera from the bedroom to a Calhoun County Sheriff’s detective, who subsequently launched an investigation. During the search of Johnson’s home, authorities found the second camera in the bathroom. Court records confirm that the cameras captured video footage of individuals in the shower and the complainant undressing in her bedroom.
Johnson, who teaches at Legg Middle School in Coldwater, was arrested on Tuesday. Jail records show that his bond was set at $4,000, and he is scheduled for hearings on February 28 and March 6.
In response to the arrest, Coldwater Community Schools Superintendent Paul Flynn sent a letter to families, confirming Johnson’s leave from his position at Legg Middle School. Flynn assured parents that there was currently no evidence to suggest the alleged crimes took place on school property or involved school resources. He emphasized that the district was cooperating with authorities and conducting an internal investigation.
“The safety of our students and staff is our number one priority,” Flynn stated in his letter.
As the investigation continues, Johnson faces serious legal consequences, with the potential for further charges depending on the ongoing findings. The case has raised concerns within the community regarding privacy and safety, as authorities work to uncover the full extent of the alleged crimes.
Johnson is expected to appear in court for preliminary hearings later this month.
