Illinois Teacher Faces 55 Additional Charges for Alleged Sexual Abuse of 15-Year-Old Student

Christina Formella, 30, was is now accused of having sex with her former pupil dozens of times

A 30-year-old Illinois teacher is now facing 55 criminal charges after prosecutors revealed shocking new allegations that she sexually abused a 15-year-old student dozens of times over nearly two years. Christina Formella, a teacher and soccer coach at Downers Grove South High School, was initially arrested in December 2023 after the victim reported inappropriate contact during a classroom session.

The case came to light when the boy’s mother discovered explicit text messages on his phone while setting up a new device. Authorities later uncovered evidence suggesting Formella engaged in sexual acts with the student approximately 50 times between January 2023 and August 2024—including at least 45 encounters on school grounds.

Formella taught special education, tutored and coached soccer at Downers Grove South High

Originally charged with two counts of sexual abuse and one count of sexual assault, Formella was indicted Tuesday on an additional 52 counts: 20 for sexual assault, 20 for aggravated criminal sexual abuse, six for indecent solicitation of a child, and six for grooming. Prosecutors allege she sent the boy messages of a "grooming nature" to facilitate the abuse.

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin called the allegations "beyond disturbing," praising the victim’s courage for coming forward. Formella, however, maintains her innocence, claiming she never had sexual contact with the student. In a police interview, she alleged the boy hacked her phone to fabricate evidence as part of a "blackmail" scheme, even suggesting people targeted her due to her appearance.

She was pulled over by cops and arrested in March

Court documents reveal explicit messages between Formella and the student, including one where she allegedly wrote, “I love having sex with you.” The boy reportedly responded with declarations of love and graphic descriptions of their encounters.

Despite prosecutors’ push to keep her detained, Judge Mia McPherson denied the request at a recent hearing. Formella, who is married to her college sweetheart, remains free pending her next court appearance on August 4.

Illinois teacher Christina Formella arrives at court in April, accompanied by her husband, Michael Formella, left, and lawyers

The victim’s mother first uncovered the alleged abuse after linking his new phone to an iCloud account and discovering the inappropriate exchanges. Investigators believe the student ultimately ended the relationship. Formella’s husband, Michael, appeared stoic during prior court proceedings, where the couple remained silent alongside their legal team.