Former Riverton teacher charged with having sex with minor

 

Less than three months into his new job as a teacher and coach in the Riverton School District, Justin McKee, 30, Webb City, was fired following an investigation into what school officials termed as an "inappropriate" relationship with a student.

A Cherokee County investigation led to McKee's arrest today and charges of unlawful sexual relations with a minor, aggravated intimidation of a victim and/or a witness and contributing to child misconduct have been filed by the Cherokee County District Attorney's office.

McKee, a Neosho High School graduate, resigned from his position as options teacher at the Powers Learning Center and an assistant football coach for the Carthage R-9 School District at the end of the 2025-2026 school year. He worked for the district for three years.

He previously was a substitute teacher in the Joplin R-8 School District.

The Cherokee County Sheriff's Office issued the following news release:

On 10/7/2026 the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office was contacted by the Riverton School District, reporting a possible inappropriate relationship between a staff member and one of their students. 

Detectives from the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office immediately began the investigation. The suspect in this case was identified as Justin W. McKee, age 30, of Webb City, MO.

During the investigation it was revealed there had been an inappropriate relationship between McKee and a student. 

Detectives worked closely with the Cherokee County Attorney’s Office and the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office during this investigation. Charges were submitted for Unlawful Sexual Relations with a Minor, Aggravated Intimidation of a Victim and or a witness, and Contributing to Child Misconduct. 

On 10/13/2026 a Cherokee County Judge signed a warrant for McKee’s arrest and issued a $15,000 bond. McKee was taken into custody on 10/14/2026 and is currently being booked into the Cherokee County Jail. 

The investigation continues and we encourage anyone with information about this investigation or any other relevant information involving McKee to contact the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office at (620) 429-3992. 

All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty