A middle school teacher and soccer coach has been charged with engaging in sexual relations with an underage student, who reportedly spent the night at her home. Prosecutors have provided details regarding the case.
Jessica Bergman, 34, who teaches math at Washington Middle School in Aurora, Illinois, was arrested last month after a neighbor raised concerns about a 17-year-old boy frequently visiting her residence, as outlined in court documents.
The boy, who “often visited Bergman’s home and stayed overnight,” was involved in sexual activities with her there, according to the DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office.
Bergman had a connection with the student dating back to middle school, where he was part of her soccer team.
Communication between them reportedly started with texts and phone calls when the boy was in second grade, escalating to a sexual relationship at some point, prosecutors noted.
She was taken into custody recently and faces charges that include sexual assault in office and two counts of aggravated sexual assault in office.
DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin expressed his concern over the situation, stating that the alleged abuse of trust and power by Bergman is deeply troubling and will be addressed with the utmost seriousness under the law.
“Teachers hold a significant responsibility for their students’ well-being. Their role is to educate and protect, not to exploit,” he added.
Berlin emphasized that those who exploit their position, like in this case, not only violate the law but also the trust placed in them by the community, the school, and the families involved.
While prosecutors requested that Bergman be held in custody, a judge instead released her with conditions, including no contact with the victim or anyone under the age of 18. The next court appearance is set for December 1st.
