MARINETTE COUNTY, WI (WTAQ) – A Peshtigo woman accused of not reporting her mother’s death for as long as four months was ordered to stand trial Wednesday.
60-year old Paula Bergold faces a felony count of hiding a corpse, along with misdemeanor counts of failing to report a death and obstruction. Bergold was concerned about money and says she has been living off her mother’s Social Security income, stocks, and dividends from her father’s retirement.
According to the criminal complaint:
“Paula had told them that she had found Ruby Bergold dead in the chair upstairs. This would be the chair the deputies found covered in Borax. Paula said she wanted to call the police when she found Ruby, but just couldn’t bring herself to do it. She kept thinking she would call tomorrow but never did. When her mother’s body began to smell, Paula decided to get the container from the basement. She placed Ruby’s body inside and dragged it down to the basement and placed it where it was found. Paula said she put Borax on the chair and on her mother’s body due to the bad smell.
The detectives asked Paula about her mother’s finances and how Paula receives money. Paula said that she has been living off of her mother’s income, which was (Social Security), stocks, and dividends from her father’s retirement. Paula said that her father set up a trust for all the money and residences, and it was in the bank’s hands. Paula said that she was concerned about the money, and that played into her decision to not report her mother’s death.”
Bergold told investigators she did not cause her mother’s death, so no corresponding charges have been filed.
She will return to court on January 6th.
