An Aurora, Illinois, middle school teacher faces criminal charges after an investigation driven in part by neighbors who raised concerns about frequent visits to her home by a male student. Authorities say the teacher, who also coached the student’s team, has been charged with multiple felony counts and released with strict conditions while the case proceeds. Local prosecutors emphasize the breach of trust and say the investigation included child advocacy support and phone records that began after suspicious activity was reported.
Police arrested 34-year-old Jessica Bergmann without incident and charged her with felony criminal sexual assault by a person in a position of authority and two counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse. She was released after an initial court appearance but was ordered to have no contact with anyone under the age of 18. The alleged conduct centers on interactions that began while the male was a student at Washington Middle School in Aurora, where Bergmann taught math and served as a soccer coach.
The Wheaton Police Department says its probe began after neighbors reported seeing the young male making regular trips to Bergmann’s home. According to authorities, those tips prompted a deeper review of communications and movements that suggested an ongoing relationship between the two beyond school activities. Prosecutors say the student later graduated from middle school but the pair continued to communicate when he became a high school sophomore.
The DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office stated:
It is alleged that at some point in time, the relationship between the two turned sexual. It is further alleged that the relationship progressed further and that the victim would frequently go to Bergmann’s home, occasionally staying overnight, where the two would engage in sexual intercourse.
The office also noted the involvement of the DuPage County Children’s Advocacy Center in the investigation. Officials have said the student is now 17 years old and that the case timeline includes contact when he was both a student and later a high school sophomore. Court documents obtained by local outlets describe neighbors’ concern about a young male repeatedly visiting the teacher’s residence, which spurred the complaint to police.
‘Cases involving alleged abuse by a teacher strike at the core of community trust.’ Berlin declared, “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.”
DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Wheaton Police Chief P.J. Youker have both criticized the alleged behavior and pledged thorough investigation and prosecution. Chief Youker said, “Cases involving alleged abuse by a teacher strike at the core of community trust. This behavior is unacceptable, and the Wheaton Police Department is dedicated to fully investigating any reports involving this allegation, to fully ensure the safety of our community and our children.”
Bergmann is scheduled to appear in court on Dec. 1 before Judge Margaret O’Connell, and prosecutors say they will present the case while maintaining protections for the alleged victim. School officials did not immediately issue public statements in response to inquiries, and Bergmann was not listed on the staff directory for West Aurora School District 129 at the time of reporting. The case remains active as investigators continue to review evidence and statements connected to the allegations.
