Concerned Neighbors Noticed Young Male Going in and Out of Middle School Teacher’s House. Now She’s Accused of S*x Assault

An Illinois middle school teacher has been charged with three felonies after allegedly engaging in a s*xual relationship with an underaged former student, authorities said.

Jessica Bergmann, 34, who teaches at Washington Middle School in Aurora, Illinois, faces one count of felony criminal s*xual assault and two counts of aggravated criminal s*xual abuse, according to a statement from the DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office on Saturday, Nov. 8.

Investigators began looking into the case in October after receiving reports of an inappropriate relationship between Bergmann and the former student. Officials allege the teacher first met the boy while he was enrolled at Washington Middle School.

According to prosecutors, the two began communicating via text and phone calls after the student graduated. The alleged victim, a high school sophomore at the time, reportedly began a s*xual relationship with Bergmann.

“It is alleged that at some point in time, the relationship between the two turned s*xual,” authorities stated. “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 s*xual intercourse.”

Court documents cited by The Daily Herald indicate that neighbors contacted police after noticing the teenager’s presence at Bergmann’s home.

According to officials, Bergmann was arrested Friday “without incident” and later released after her initial court appearance. She has been ordered to avoid any contact with minors under the age of 18.

Bergmann is scheduled to appear in court again on Dec. 1.

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin said the case represents “a profound abuse of trust and authority,” adding, “Teachers are entrusted with our students’ wellbeing. They are given the awesome responsibility to guide and protect our students, not to harm or exploit them. A teacher who takes advantage of a student, as alleged in this case, is not only breaking the law but also the trust placed in them by the community, the school, and the victim’s family.”

Wheaton Police Chief P.J. Youker echoed the sentiment, stating, “Cases involving alleged abuse by a teacher strike at the core of community trust. This behavior is unacceptable.”