Ex-Coldwater Teacher Accused of Using AI for Student Nude Photos

Authorities say the teacher altered images of female students into explicit content.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 9:40pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a cracked smartphone screen reflecting a faint digital glitch, conceptually illustrating the misuse of AI technology to exploit student privacy.A troubling case of AI-powered exploitation highlights the urgent need for stronger safeguards to protect student privacy.Coldwater Today

A former middle school teacher in Coldwater, Michigan is facing criminal charges for allegedly using an artificial intelligence application to create nude photographs of his female students. The Branch County Prosecutor's Office is pursuing the case against the unnamed teacher, who is accused of manipulating existing images of students into explicit content without their knowledge or consent.

Why it matters

This case highlights the growing threat of AI-powered deepfake technology being used to exploit and victimize minors, raising concerns about student privacy, the ethical boundaries of technology in education, and the need for stronger safeguards and oversight around the use of AI in schools.

The details

According to prosecutors, the former Coldwater teacher used an unnamed AI application to digitally alter existing photos of his female students, transforming them into explicit nude images. The teacher is accused of then distributing or possessing these fabricated photos, which were discovered during an investigation by local law enforcement.

  • The alleged incidents occurred over the 2025-2026 school year.
  • The teacher was arrested and charged in early April 2026.

The players

Zachary Stempien

The Branch County Prosecuting Attorney leading the criminal case against the former teacher.

Coldwater Middle School

The school where the former teacher was employed and allegedly used AI to create explicit photos of students.

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What they’re saying

“We take any allegations of misconduct involving minors extremely seriously, and will prosecute these crimes to the fullest extent of the law.”

— Zachary Stempien, Branch County Prosecuting Attorney

What’s next

Prosecutors say the former teacher will face a preliminary hearing in the coming weeks to determine if the case will proceed to trial.

The takeaway

This disturbing case underscores the urgent need for schools, lawmakers, and technology companies to establish robust safeguards and ethical guidelines around the use of AI, in order to protect student privacy and prevent such abuses from occurring in the future.