Ex-Tyler Educator Charged in Student Relationship

**Former Tyler Legacy High School Staff Member Arrested on Felony Charge**

TYLER, Texas – A former instructional assistant and coach at Tyler Legacy High School, Michael Anthony Johnson, was arrested last week on a felony charge of improper relationship between an educator and a student. Johnson, 24, was booked into the Smith County Jail on February 27th, with news of his arrest becoming public on March 4th.

The serious charge stems from alleged events that occurred between November 1st, 2023, and February 13th, 2024, involving a female student reportedly between the ages of 14 and 17.

The Tyler ISD Police Department initiated an investigation into the allegations on January 29th. Upon learning of the investigation, Tyler ISD immediately placed Johnson on administrative leave. He subsequently resigned from his position at Tyler Legacy High School (formerly Robert E. Lee High School) on February 13th, the same day the alleged incidents are said to have concluded.

Johnson's bond has been set at $75,000. The charge is classified as a second-degree felony in Texas, which carries a potential penalty upon conviction of 2 to 20 years in state prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

Beyond his role at Tyler Legacy High School, Johnson was also listed as staff at the Tyler County Juvenile Detention Center. Court records indicate he had previous arrests in 2020 for marijuana possession.