A middle school teacher from Aurora is facing serious charges after being accused of sexually assaulting a former student, according to officials in DuPage County. The allegations have raised significant concerns within the community.

The teacher in question, identified as 34-year-old Jessica Bergmann, resides in Wheaton and is employed at Washington Middle School in Aurora, as reported by the DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office.

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Authorities allege that Bergmann engaged in a sexual relationship with a student who was in their sophomore year of high school at the time. This individual had previously attended the middle school where Bergmann teaches.

According to a statement from investigators, the relationship reportedly began with exchanges of text messages and phone calls, which eventually became sexual in nature. It is claimed that the student frequently visited Bergmann’s home, sometimes staying overnight, during which time they engaged in sexual activity.

Bergmann was taken into custody on Friday, marking a significant development in this troubling case.

The suspect is facing “one count of Criminal Sexual Assault – Position of Authority (Class 1 Felony), one count of Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse – Position of Authority (Class 1 Felony) and one count of Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse (Class 2 Felony),” a news release read in part.

“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,” a statement from DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin read in part. “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 they are also breaking the trust placed in them by the community, the school and the victim’s family.”

Bergmann i set to appear in court. Dec. 1.

No further information was available.