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.”
