FORMER M.A.P.S. EMPLOYEE FACING FELONY CHARGES

MERRILL – A former Merrill school district buildings and grounds director is accused of making more than $1,500 in unauthorized charges on district credit cards. Dale L. Bergman, 55, of Athens, faces a felony misconduct charge and will make his first court appearance Oct. 1.

The criminal complaint states back in April 2024 a woman had reported she became aware in a school board meeting Bergman stole $1,500 from the school, and it was also reported that he used the money to purchase something for his home. Per the complaint, the woman learned about the theft and Bergman’s resignation from his school position during the Feb. 27, 2024, Merrill School Board meeting. A second person interviewed stated Bergman’s air conditioner stopped working and due to gambling habits he didn’t have cash to fix it, yet an air conditioner arrived at his home. Bergman admitted he used the district’s card for this purchase and other’s as well. He also used the school district’s plow truck to plow his driveway.

Documentation of the air conditioner purchase and other evidence has been secured by the detective investigating the case. In March of this year, Bergman told the detective he had paid the district back for all purchases made, though he admitted he did not pay taxes on the items.