Andrew J. Bergum, 25, faces charges of burglary and felony theft stemming from an early-morning incident following the Viroqua Open golf tournament. Bergum, who used to be an employee of the club, ultimately confessed to stealing approximately $7,000 after hours by entering through an unlocked window and opening the safe.
A man suspected in stealing approximately $7,000 from the Viroqua (Wis.) Country Club faces two felony charges in Vernon County Circuit Court, the Viroqua-based Vernon County Broadcaster reported.
Andrew J. Bergum, 25, has been charged with burglary and felony theft. The charges stem from an early-morning incident at the country club on the final night of the Viroqua Open golf tournament on August 11, according to a criminal complaint.
The following morning, the club manager informed the Viroqua Police Department that cash from different places in the building had been removed, the Broadcaster reported.
According to witnesses, Bergum had remained at the country club late on the final evening of the Viroqua Open. He had previously been an employee of the club and had knowledge of club operations. He helped the employees close for the night, but when doing so “began to act strangely.” Bergum asked to open a window because the building was too hot, and also asked about money bags in the club, the Broadcaster reported.
After conducting several interviews, the Viroqua Police Department requested that Bergum come in for an interview on September 5. Bergum was questioned and his activities and timeline did not match what had been stated by other witnesses, the Broadcaster reported.
“Bergum was confronted about his inconsistencies and he eventually confessed that he stole the money,” the complaint stated.
Bergum told police that he unlocked a window while he was in the club with employees. After leaving the bar he returned, entering the building through the unlocked window, and then opened the safe. Bergum said he knew how to open the safe due to his previous experience as an employee, the Broadcaster reported.
Bergum turned over $4,900 from his home on September 5, and later in the day Bergum turned over another $2,100 to the police department. The entire $7,000 was returned to the club manager on September 9, the Broadcaster reported.
Bergum was charged on October 3, and was in court for a status hearing on his case on October 28. Another status conference in Bergum’s case is scheduled for November 25. Bergum has no prior criminal convictions, the Broadcaster reported.
Burglary is a Class F felony punishable by a maximum of 12.5 years in prison and a fine of $25,000. Felony theft is a Class H felony punishable by a maximum of six years in prison and a $10,000 fine, the Broadcaster reported.
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