Wisconsin Educator Sentenced After Inappropriate Contact With Child
A former elementary school teacher in western Wisconsin has been sentenced to six years behind bars followed by six years of supervised release after pleading guilty to child enticement and sexual misconduct involving an 11-year-old student. The case drew widespread attention due to the volume of inappropriate communications uncovered during the investigation.
Madison Bergmann, 26, formerly employed at an elementary school in Hudson, admitted to exchanging thousands of messages with the unnamed student that crossed legal and ethical boundaries. Prosecutors detailed a disturbing pattern of communication that included references to “making out” and other inappropriate subject matter.
Text Messages and Evidence Unearthed in Court Proceedings
During court proceedings, authorities revealed evidence showing Bergmann sent extensive texts, handwritten notes, and drawings to the student that demonstrated affectionate and improper messages. Investigators uncovered thousands of text messages and numerous handwritten letters that illustrated the sustained nature of the contact.
In plea negotiations, Bergmann agreed to plead guilty to charges of child enticement and two counts of sexual misconduct, which resulted in the six-year prison sentence — significantly less than the longer term sought by prosecutors.
At sentencing, Bergmann broke down in court and offered a tearful apology, acknowledging she had violated professional and legal boundaries. The victim’s father also addressed the court, describing the content of the messages as “disturbing” and outlining the profound emotional impact on his family.
Aftermath and Legal Consequences
Following her release from prison, Bergmann will remain under strict supervision for six additional years, during which she will be prohibited from unsupervised contact with minors and required to comply with sex-offender registration and monitoring conditions.
The case serves as a stark reminder of legal and ethical responsibilities educators hold and the serious consequences that follow violations of trust involving students.
