A soon-to-be-married Wisconsin elementary school teacher was arrested after her alleged sexual assault of a child, including making out with an elementary school student.
Madison Bergmann, 24, was arrested and faces one count of first-degree child sexual abuse after a parent of a fifth-grader reported her to River Crest Elementary School administrators and police.
On Wednesday, the child’s father turned over printed text messages between Bergmann and the student in which she allegedly told the child that she liked it when the victim touched her and that she enjoyed “making out” with them.
“Learning of a school staff member’s alleged inappropriate behavior that breaches trust is deeply troubling for all of us,” the school said in a statement to staff and parents.
According to her Facebook, Bergmann got engaged to her fiancé Ben in December and their wedding is scheduled for July 27.
Madison Bergmann, 24, was arrested and faces one count of first-degree child sexual abuse after a parent of a fifth-grader reported her to River Crest Elementary School administrators and police
Bergmann got engaged to her fiancé Ben in December. Their wedding will take place on July 27 in her home state of Minnesota
She allegedly told the child that she liked it when the victim touched her and that she enjoyed “making out” with them
The child’s mother initially heard the student and Bergmann talking on the phone before notifying the child’s father, according to KARE 11.
During her interview with police, she told authorities that the victim’s mother allegedly gave her the student’s phone number after the family invited her to the Afton Alps ski resort for winter break.
When officers searched Bergmann’s bag, they found handwritten notes between the pair, according to charging documents. It is unclear what the notes said.
When asked about the text exchange between her and the student, Bergmann invoked her right to an attorney, the documents say.
After her arrest, she was suspended from her role as a teacher. During her suspension, Bergmann is not allowed to have contact with Hudson School District students, parents or staff.
She is also not allowed on district property and cannot attend school activities.
“We understand the seriousness of this situation and are committed to providing the necessary support to any child who may be affected,” the school said.
“We kindly ask that the school community respect the privacy of Hudson students and their families and refrain from spreading rumors or speculation.”
Hudson School District officials said counseling professionals will be on hand to help students and staff members who may be struggling with the allegations.
According to Bergmann’s Facebook, she is originally from Elmo, Minnesota, and attended the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. During her school years, she was an Assistant Center Director at Sylvan Learning for four years.
Hudson School District said counseling professionals will be on hand to help students and staff members who may be struggling with the allegations. (photo: River Crest Primary School)
During her interview, she told authorities that the victim’s mother allegedly gave her the student’s phone number after the family invited her to Afton Alps, a ski resort, over winter break.
In August 2022, she posted a photo on Facebook of a classroom and shared her excitement about preparing for the new school year. It is unclear if that was done at River Crest Elementary School
During her suspension, Bergmann is not allowed to have contact with Hudson School District students, parents or staff. She is also not allowed on district property. (photo: Bergmann and her fiancé in 2022)
In August 2022, she posted a photo on Facebook of a classroom, but it is unclear whether it was taken at River Crest Elementary School.
She said, “My classroom is finally (mostly) decorated! I have so many wonderful people to thank for helping me get this far!”
“I can’t wait for school to start!”
It is unclear exactly when she started teaching primary school. A 2022 post from the school mentioned her ‘special interests’ were painting and houseplants.
“I’ve wanted to be a teacher since I was in kindergarten. All my teachers helped make that dream come true,” she said.