In a disturbing development from Wheaton, Illinois, authorities have charged an Aurora middle school teacher with sexual assault involving a former student. The DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office has identified the teacher as 34-year-old Jessica Bergmann, who currently teaches at Washington Middle School in Aurora.
According to investigators, allegations have surfaced that Bergmann engaged in a sexual relationship with a student who had moved on from middle school to their sophomore year in high school. The relationship reportedly began through text messages and phone calls, eventually escalating into a sexual nature.
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Officials have disclosed that the interactions did not remain confined to digital communication. The former student allegedly visited Bergmann’s home on multiple occasions, sometimes staying overnight, during which they engaged in sexual activities.
Authorities arrested Bergmann on Friday, following the investigations. She now faces serious charges, including one count of Criminal Sexual Assault while in a Position of Authority, classified as a Class 1 Felony. Additionally, she faces two counts of Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse, again under the Position of Authority, with one of those charges being a Class 2 Felony. These charges underscore the gravity of the situation and the breach of trust involved.
Bergmann was arrested Friday.
The suspect is facing “one count of Criminal Sexual Assault – Position of Authority (Class 1 Felony), one count of Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse – Position of Authority (Class 1 Felony) and one count of Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse (Class 2 Felony),” a news release read in part.
“The profound abuse of trust and authority allegedly displayed by Ms. Bergmann is extremely disturbing and will be met with the full force of the law,” a statement from DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin read in part. “Teachers are entrusted with our students’ wellbeing. They are given the awesome responsibility to guide and protect our students, not to harm or exploit them. A teacher who takes advantage of a student, as alleged in this case, is not only breaking the law, but they are also breaking the trust placed in them by the community, the school and the victim’s family.”
Bergmann i set to appear in court. Dec. 1.
No further information was available.
