Madison Bergman, a former teacher at Riverside Elementary School in St. Croix County, Wisconsin, was taken into custody after pleading guilty to multiple charges related to sexual misconduct involving an 11-year-old student. The emotional proceedings unfolded during a plea hearing on September 29, where Bergman, previously out on bail, faced the fallout of her actions that have shocked the local community.
Originally charged with a single count of sexual contact with a child under 13, Bergman’s case escalated as new evidence emerged, leading to a total of ten charges, including child enticement and sexual misconduct by a school staff member. The investigation began in May 2024, when the parents of the young victim presented printed screenshots of inappropriate messages exchanged between their son and Bergman. The texts revealed a disturbing relationship, with exchanges that included explicit references to kissing and physical contact.
During the plea hearing, Bergman admitted to her guilt for child enticement, a charge that mandates lifetime supervision as a serious sex offender, as well as two counts of sexual misconduct by a school staff member. The judge outlined the potential penalties for these crimes, which could lead to a lengthy prison sentence. Although Bergman’s defense team argued for her continued release due to her compliance with previous conditions and efforts at rehabilitation, the state emphasized the need for public protection and the seriousness of her offenses.
As the judge revoked her bond, Bergman broke down in tears, visibly shaken by the reality of her situation. She was immediately taken into custody, awaiting sentencing scheduled for December 22, 2025, where prosecutors are expected to seek up to 12 years in prison. The emotional and psychological impact of her actions on the victim, now a child navigating a difficult experience, was a significant point raised during the proceedings.
Bergman’s case is part of a troubling trend, as she is not the only teacher from Riverside Elementary facing allegations of sexual misconduct. Abigail Faust, another teacher at the school, has been charged with similar offenses, including failure to protect a child and child enticement. Allegations against Faust indicate a pattern of inappropriate behavior, including sexual abuse of a minor who was reportedly a family nanny. As these cases unfold, they highlight significant concerns regarding the safety and well-being of students in educational environments.
The community is left grappling with the implications of these incidents, questioning how such breaches of trust could occur within the very institutions designed to protect and educate children. With Bergman now in custody and awaiting sentencing, the focus remains on ensuring justice for the victims and preventing future incidents of this nature within schools.
