A 24-year-old elementary school teacher in Wisconsin was arrested Wednesday on suspicion of having a “relationship” with a fifth-grade student, less than three months before her wedding.
Madison Bergman’s alleged abuse of an 11-year-old boy came to light after the student’s mother overheard her son talking on the phone with a teacher. CBS News in Minnesota reported.
The victim’s parents discovered messages allegedly exchanged between the two, and the boy’s father barged into River Crest Elementary School with a printout of the conversation.
The confusing text chain included messages from Bergman allegedly discussing multiple encounters inside the classroom during lunch or after school.
She also allegedly told the child how much she enjoyed him touching and “making out” with her, the complaint states.
Police also found a folder in her bag with the victim’s name on it, which contained numerous handwritten notes about how much they kissed each other.
Bergman is said to have written in one of the letters: “One of my cousins is in fifth grade, and I can’t imagine how men talk to her.” I know we have a special relationship, and more than anyone else in the world. I love you too, but I have to grow up here and stop. ”
It’s unclear how long the abuse had been going on, but Bergman told investigators that in December, she invited a boy she thought was her beloved teacher to Afton Alps with her family over winter break. He said his mother gave him the boy’s phone number.
According to her social media, it was the same month she got engaged to her longtime boyfriend.
When the officer asked about the text exchange between the two, Bergman invoked his right to an attorney, the documents said.
The Hudson School District announced to parents on the same day of the arrest that the suspected pervert has since been placed on administrative leave and prohibited from having contact with students, parents, or staff in the district.
“It is deeply concerning to all of us to learn of this alleged inappropriate behavior that is a breach of trust with school staff,” the message said.
Bergman was scheduled to get married in July, less than three months after her arrest, according to her social media accounts.
She began teaching at River Crest Elementary School in 2022 and celebrated the milestone by posting a photo of her classroom on Facebook.
“I can’t wait for school to start!” she wrote ominously.
Bergman currently faces one count of first-degree child sexual assault. She was released on $25,000 signature bond.
