Wisconsin – In a case that has drawn attention across Wisconsin and beyond, a 26-year-old woman, identified as M. Bergmann, a former fifth‑grade teacher, has been sentenced to six years in prison followed by six years of supervision for an inappropriate and illegal relationship with an 11‑year‑old former student. Bergmann’s conduct included “improper encounters” with the young man inside her classroom, exchanging tens of thousands of text messages, and crossing professional and legal boundaries that ultimately destroyed her career and will shape her life for years to come.
Bergmann was convicted in September of one count of child enticement and two counts of se-ual misconduct by school staff as part of a plea deal with prosecutors, who initially charged her with ten felonies, including first‑degree child se-ual assault and child enticement. The charges stemmed from evidence showing that Bergmann, then 24 years old, maintained a se-ual relationship with the 11‑year‑old student during and after he was in her fifth‑grade class.
The investigation into Bergmann’s conduct began when the victim’s father discovered thousands of text messages between his son and the teacher over just three months, from December 2023 to April 2024. Many of the texts were highly personal and graphic. In one message, Bergmann wrote, “Dude I love you so much more — like I didn’t think it was possible but oh my god today during reading…,” reflecting the inappropriate nature of the correspondence. Police later searched Bergmann’s classroom and found a folder with the victim’s name on it. Inside were handwritten love notes detailing how much the two had kissed—evidence of their personal and romantic relationship that extended beyond texts. A separate search of her belongings at school revealed 53 notes she wrote to the victim and 46 notes from him to her, all pointing to an ongoing, highly inappropriate relationship.
Beyond digital and written evidence, investigators found that Bergmann and the young man had multiple “improper encounters” inside her classroom, both during lunch and after school. These encounters, which took place on school grounds and outside class hours, further demonstrated a breach of trust and professional responsibilities. The victim’s father spoke candidly in court about how disturbing the messages were. He said, “When I review the texts too, it’s very deliberate talking about touching his leg, talking to my 11‑year‑old son about her period, talking about his ere-tions … to me it’s very disturbing stuff.” The father added that his son felt the impact of the relationship would stay with him forever, insisting that “whatever punishment she receives should be forever.”
At her sentencing hearing, Bergmann wept and took responsibility for her actions. She told the judge, “I want to make it absolutely clear that I take full accountability for every boundary that was crossed. I hope that your family has been able to begin to heal and find some peace in your lives again. I know the journey will be long for your family.” Despite her plea for leniency — having sought a one‑year sentence — the judge opted for a much harsher punishment.
Bergmann was handed six years in prison, a sentence that reflects the seriousness of her violations as both a teacher and an adult in a position of authority. After she completes her prison term, Bergmann will serve six years of extended supervision. As part of her supervision, she will have no contact with minors without approval, must register as a se- offender, and will face restrictions on internet and social media use.
The case has had profound personal consequences for Bergmann as well. At the time of her arrest in April 2024, she was engaged and planning a July wedding. Her fiancé called off the marriage in the wake of her arrest, leaving her personal life in turmoil on top of her criminal and professional fallout. For the victim, his father described the pain not just of the se-ual relationship, but of the betrayal of trust by someone tasked with his son’s education. For the community and for educators everywhere, the case serves as a stark reminder of the responsibilities held by teachers and the severe consequences when those responsibilities are violated. As Bergmann begins her prison sentence, the focus remains on healing for the victim and on upholding standards of safety and professionalism in schools.
