Madison Bergmann, a 24-year-old elementary school teacher in Wisconsin, was arrested on Wednesday for allegedly engaging in an inappropriate relationship with an 11-year-old fifth-grade student, just three months before her wedding.
The allegations surfaced when the boy’s mother overheard him speaking on the phone with Bergmann, according to CBS News Minnesota. Concerned, the parents discovered text messages exchanged between their son and the teacher, which prompted the boy’s father to confront school officials at River Crest Elementary with printed copies of the conversations.
The text messages reportedly revealed multiple encounters between Bergmann and the boy during lunch and after school. It is alleged that Bergmann expressed enjoyment regarding their physical interactions, described as “making out.” Authorities also discovered a folder in her bag labeled with the student’s name, containing several handwritten notes discussing their interactions.
In one of the notes, Bergmann allegedly wrote, “One of my cousins is in the 5th grade, and I can’t imagine a man talking to her how we talk. I know we have a special relationship, and I do love you more than anyone in the world, but I have to be the adult here and stop.”
While the exact duration of the alleged misconduct remains unclear, Bergmann told investigators that she received the boy’s phone number from his mother in December when the family invited her on a winter break trip to Afton Alps. This invitation occurred in the same month she became engaged to her long-time boyfriend, according to her social media.
When questioned about the text messages, Bergmann invoked her right to an attorney. Following her arrest, she has been placed on administrative leave and is barred from contacting any students, parents, or staff members. The Hudson School District sent a message to parents addressing the situation, stating, “Learning about a school staff member and alleged inappropriate conduct that breaches trust is deeply troubling for all of us.”
Bergmann was scheduled to marry in July, just a few months after her arrest.