Former suburban Chicago teacher faces 52 more charges for student sex abuse
Share this @internewscast.com


Editor’s Note: This story contains discussions of child abuse that may be disturbing. Reader discretion is advised. If you suspect a child is being abused, find out how to report it in your state here. To connect with a counselor, you can call the National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-422-4253.

DOWNERS GROVE, Ill. (WGN) – A former teacher at Downers Grove South High School, who was previously charged with having a sexual relationship with a student, has been indicted on 52 additional charges.

The DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office said on March 15, 2025, the victim – who was 15 years old at the time of the alleged assault, went to the Downers Grove Police Department with his parents to report inappropriate sexual contact allegedly done by the 15-year-old’s soccer coach/tutor, later identified as 30-year-old Christina Formella.

The Downers Grove Police Department and the DuPage County Children’s Advocacy Center immediately began investigating, resulting in Formella being charged with one count of criminal sexual abuse, one count of criminal sexual assault and one count of aggravated criminal sexual abuse.

Formella first appeared in court on March 17 and was granted pre-trial release. Authorities said conditions of her release include no entry into Downers Grove South High School and no contact with the victim or anyone under the age of 18.

On April 17, authorities said the victim and his parents went to the DuPage County Children’s Advocacy Center to be interviewed. During the interviews, the victim made officials aware of additional sexual abuse allegedly committed by Formella.

Investigators said that upon further investigation, it is believed the sexual abuse began in January 2023 and continued through August/September 2024.

During that time, Formella allegedly sent the victim multiple text messages that were grooming in nature. Formella also allegedly engaged in sexual acts with the victim approximately 50 times, both at the school and at Formella’s home, including 45 times at the school.

On Tuesday, June 17, the DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office announced 52 additional charges against Formella. She has now been charged with 20 counts of criminal sexual assault, 20 counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse, six counts of indecent solicitation of a child and six counts of grooming, according to investigators.

Formella appeared at a status hearing Tuesday where the state filed a second petition to deny her pre-trial release. The judge, however, granted Formella’s release.

Formella’s next court appearance is scheduled for Monday, Aug 4, 2025.

“The new allegations against Ms. Formella, including the allegations of grooming and that the abuse lasted nearly two years, are beyond disturbing,” DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin said. “I thank the victim in this case for having the courage to come forward during what I image is an extremely difficult time for him. I also thank the DuPage County Children’s Center, particularly Investigator George Fencl, as well as Assistant State’s Attorneys Jaclyn McAndrew and Michael Fisher for their work not only in this case but for their continued efforts protecting our children.”   

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Experienced U.S. Diplomats Confused by Widespread Layoffs at State Department

Over 1,300 employees were compelled to leave the State Department on Friday,…

Trump to Enforce 30% Tariffs on EU, Mexico Starting August 1

BRIDGEWATER, New Jersey (AP) President Donald Trump on Saturday announced he’s levying…

Most Americans Oppose Trump’s Immigration Policies, Survey Finds

(NewsNation) — In a shift from previous years, Americans are now viewing…

More than 2,000 UFO Sightings Documented in the First Six Months of 2025

(NewsNation) — In the first half of 2025, over 2,000 UFO sightings…

The Resurgence of Ospreys Faces New Threats: Chick Fatalities Linked to Overfishing

GLOUCESTER POINT, Va. – Standing on an aging wooden duck blind in…

Texas Tops the Nation in Flood Fatalities: How Its Geography, Large Size, and Population Contribute

Even before the devastating Central Texas floods that resulted in over 100…

Hiker Passes Away in Las Vegas After Canceling Plan to Reach the Bottom, According to NPS

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) A 67-year-old Texas man died Tuesday at the Grand…

A Conservative State Grapples with Trump’s ‘Grand Legislation’

WALKER, La. — Few states stand to lose as much from the…

Trump Announces 30% Tariff on Imports from EU and Mexico

(The Hill) — On Saturday, President Trump declared that his administration will…

Evaluating $1K ‘Trump Accounts’ for Children: Are They Worth It?

(NerdWallet) – President Donald Trump’s “one big, beautiful bill” is launching a…

Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation Contributes $500,000 to Aid Texas Hill Country Flood Relief Efforts

ATLANTA (WRBL) — The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation has announced it…

Musk’s New Grok Chatbot Offers Answers Based on the Billionaire’s Perspectives

Elon Musk’s newest AI chatbot, Grok, is mirroring his views so closely…