Benjamin Ivory Bergman, 44, of rural Rochert, has been charged with multiple felonies in Becker County District Court, including first-degree criminal sexual conduct, kidnapping to facilitate a felony, and third-degree criminal sexual conduct.
Court documents reveal that Bergman allegedly picked up a 14-year-old girl after communicating with her on Snapchat. Despite knowing her age, he drove to her parent’s home around 4:30 a.m. and took her to his residence before returning her later that morning. Aligned by the girl’s parents, Deputies were waiting for Bergman when he dropped her off.
On July 22, bail was set at $300,000 without conditions or $150,000 with conditions. These conditions include GPS monitoring, no contact with the victim, and restrictions on internet and social media use. Bergman’s next court appearance is scheduled for October 7th before Becker County District Judge Gretchen Thilmony.