A former elementary school teacher from Wisconsin reportedly became emotional in court after she pleaded guilty on Monday to having inappropriate contact with an 11-year-old student.
As reported by CBS News, Madison Bergman admitted guilt to charges of child enticement for sexual activities and sexual misconduct by a school staff member during a plea hearing held at the St. Croix County courtroom.
Bergmann reportedly took a plea deal, which dismissed several other charges, including first-degree child sexual assault.
The allegations arose in 2023 when Bergman was a teacher at River Crest Elementary School in Hudson. The victim’s parents noticed frequent communication between their son and Bergman, who was his 5th-grade teacher at the time.
The boy’s father went to the school with a printout of text messages between that pair, prompting the school principal to contact law enforcement.
A phone record search by law enforcement confirmed that the defendant had inappropriate contact with the student.
One message exchange showed the victim and defendant discussing “making out.”
Victim: “Haha bro I just want to make out with you.”
Bergman: “I do too! Like alllll the time.”
In another message, Bergman professed her love for the victim, telling him that she “loved him more than anyone,” but had to “be an adult and stop.”
The child shared with investigators that he and Bergman communicated almost every day and engaged in kissing and touching either after school hours or during lunchtime.
KARE 11 reports that police uncovered close to 100 letters, love notes, and artwork inside the folder in Bergman’s classroom.
Over 35,000 text messages were also found between the pair on her phone, along over 30 email exchanges.
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The victim also confirmed that Bergman had touched him inappropriately while other children were not watching.
Bergman resigned from her teaching position and police arrested her in May 2024.
As part of the plea agreement, the prosecution agreed to recommend a sentence of no more than 12 years in prison. Without this plea deal, Bergman faced the possibility of an 18-year sentence.
Bergamn is scheduled for sentencing on December 22. Check back for updates.
[Feature Photo via St. Croix County police]
