HUDSON, Wis. — An elementary school teacher in Hudson, Wisconsin has been placed on administrative leave and is facing criminal charges after allegations of inappropriate conduct with a minor.
The Hudson School District sent a message to families and staffers Wednesday about the development, which involves a teacher from River Crest Elementary. District officials say law enforcement was contacted immediately upon learning about the allegations against the teacher.
While suspended, the teacher has been directed to have no contact with Hudson School District students, staff or parents, and she is not allowed to be on district property or attend school activities.
According to charging documents, the teacher has been identified as 24-year-old Madison Bergmann of St. Paul, who faces one count of first-degree child sexual assault.
Officers were called to the school by its principal on May 1 for a potential issue regarding inappropriate conduct between a current teacher and fifth-grader. Upon arrival, school administrators and the victim's father met with the officer, according to charging documents.
The officer was given printouts of screenshots between Bergmann and a fifth-grader.
The text exchange included messages from Bergmann to the child allegedly talking about how much she enjoyed the victim touching her and the pair "making out."
According to the charging documents, the victim's mother overheard the child talking to Bergmann on the phone and contacted the child's father about the matter.
When officers searched Bergmann's bag, they found handwritten notes between her and the victim, the charging documents state. During an initial interview with the officers, Bergmann allegedly told officers she was given the victim's phone number by the child's mother after she was invited to Afton Alps with the family over winter break.
According to the document, when officers asked about text exchanges between the two, Bergmann invoked her right to an attorney.
"Learning about a school staff member and alleged inappropriate conduct that breaches trust is deeply troubling for all of us," reads the school's message sent to parents and staff. "We understand the gravity of this situation and are committed to providing the necessary support for any child who may be impacted. We kindly request the school community to respect the privacy of Hudson students and their families and refrain from spreading rumors or speculation."
The district added that counseling staff is available to help any student or staff member struggling with news of the allegations.
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