Authorities have arrested Jessica Bergmann, a 34-year-old middle school teacher from Aurora, after she was accused of engaging in an inappropriate sexual relationship with a former student, according to DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Wheaton Police Chief P.J. Youker.
Bergmann, who teaches at Washington Middle School, appeared in First Appearance Court on Friday, November 7, 2025, where she was charged with:
Criminal Sexual Assault – Position of Authority (Class 1 Felony)
Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse – Position of Authority (Class 1 Felony)
Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse (Class 2 Felony)
The court denied prosecutors’ request to hold Bergmann in custody before trial, releasing her with strict conditions — including no contact with the victim or anyone under 18 years old.
According to investigators, the Wheaton Police Department began looking into the allegations in early October 2025, after receiving reports of suspicious interactions between Bergmann and a teenage male. The student, who met Bergmann while attending Washington Middle School, had since moved on to high school.
Authorities say the relationship turned sexual during the victim’s sophomore year, and that Bergmann allegedly invited the teen to her home, where the two engaged in sexual activity — sometimes during overnight stays.
Bergmann was taken into custody without incident on November 7.
State’s Attorney Berlin called the allegations “a profound abuse of trust and authority,” adding:
“Teachers are entrusted with our students’ wellbeing… a teacher who takes advantage of a student is not only breaking the law but also breaking the trust placed in them by the community.”
Chief Youker praised detectives for their thorough work, saying the case “strikes at the core of community trust” and reaffirmed the department’s commitment to protecting children.
Bergmann’s next court appearance is scheduled for December 1, 2025, before Judge Margaret O’Connell.
Authorities emphasize that the charges are allegations and that Bergmann is presumed innocent until proven guilty.