Former MAPS employee charged with theft, misconduct in office

Dale L. Bergman, age 55 of Athens, a former Merrill Area Public Schools (MAPS) employee, was charged on Aug. 6, 2025, with one felony count of misconduct in office and excess of authority in connection with allegations that he used his position to make personal purchases with school district funds.
According to the Criminal Complaint filed in Lincoln County Circuit Court, the charge stems from allegations that Bergman used a MAPS financial transaction card “for personal gain” by purchasing an air conditioner for $1,544.60 on June 27, 2022, which “he knew his action was beyond the scope of his lawful authority as an employee” of the district. The Complaint alleges the item was ordered by Bergman and shipped to MAPS but that it was then taken to his residence. If convicted, the charges carry a fine of up to $10,000 and up to three years and six months in prison or both.

Investigation details
According to the Criminal Complaint, a detective with the Merrill Police Department interviewed a witness in April 2024 who said, “that she was aware that Bergman had stolen $1,500” from MAPS—his employer—and that he had “been placed on administrative leave on Feb. 2, 2024, as a result of the theft and had resigned from his position with MAPS on Feb. 5, 2024.” According to the Criminal Complaint, Bergman wrote a check to MAPS for $1,544.60 which was included with his resignation letter.
According to the Complaint, investigators interviewed Bergman on March 5, 2025, and Bergman admitted he had purchased the air conditioning unit using the MAPS account and that it was currently at his residence. In a subsequent phone call on March 7, 2025, the Complaint indicates Bergman “stated that anything that he had purchased using MAPS accounts that was for his personal use he would have paid Merrill Area Public Schools back for.” However, when asked about taxes on personal purchases, Bergman stated he had not paid taxes on the transactions.
Further investigation documented additional allegations of other misuse of school district resources. According to the Complaint, another witness stated that Bergman would order items through the school vendor and “would also get the school discount” and “that a consistent flow of boxes would arrive at the residence when Bergman would bring the boxes home from school” and that “this flow of boxes continued to occur for 3-4 years.” The Complaint also details other alleged misuse of school district property and resources, including use of school vehicles and equipment for personal purposes.
This case has not been concluded. Unless a judgment of conviction is entered, Bergman is presumed innocent of all charges.