Illinois teacher indicted on 52 new charges for alleged student sexual assault
An Illinois grand jury has filed an indictment against Christina Formella, a 30-year-old high school teacher, on 52 additional charges related to the alleged sexual assault and abuse of a student in 2023. The shocking case came to light when the victim’s mother discovered the inappropriate relationship by looking through her son’s text messages on his cellphone and promptly contacted the authorities.
Formella, who worked at Downers Grove South High School, was initially charged with two counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse and one count of criminal sexual assault after video footage showed her getting pulled over during a traffic stop and being taken into custody. The victim, a 15-year-old student at the time of the alleged assaults, reported to the Downers Grove Police Department with his parents to disclose the inappropriate sexual contact by his tutor and soccer coach, identified as Formella.
A thorough investigation led to the indictment of Formella on 20 counts of sexual assault, 20 counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse, six counts of indecent solicitation of a child, and six counts of grooming, all felonies. The victim detailed additional instances of sexual abuse by Formella that began in January 2023 and continued through August or September 2024. During this period, Formella allegedly sent grooming text messages to the victim and engaged in sexual acts with him approximately 50 times, both at the school and her home. Shockingly, the victim and Formella reportedly engaged in sex acts at least 45 times at the school premises.
DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin expressed his deep concern over the new allegations against Formella, emphasizing the courage of the victim for coming forward during such a challenging time. He commended the investigative efforts of the Downers Grove Police Department, DuPage County Children’s Advocacy Center, and the prosecutors involved in the case for their dedication to protecting children from harm.
Formella appeared in court for a status hearing where the state filed a petition to deny her pretrial release, which was denied by Judge Mia McPherson. Her next court appearance is scheduled for August 4. Bodycam footage of Formella’s arrest showed her confusion and distress during the encounter, as she sobbed in the back of a police vehicle and requested to speak with her husband, whom she married last year.
The disturbing case unfolded as Formella, also a soccer coach, allegedly began a tutor-student relationship with the victim after he broke his collarbone, leading to inappropriate exchanges and ultimately the sexual assault in December 2023. The gravity of the situation underscores the importance of safeguarding students from predatory behavior and ensuring that educators uphold the trust placed in them by the community.
