A former Downers Grove South High School teacher, who was previously charged with having a sexual contact with a student, has been indicted on 52 new charges.
According to the DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office, 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 made by the 15-year-old’s soccer coach/tutor, Christina Formella, who was later identified as 30 years old.
The Downers Grove Police Department and the DuPage County Children’s Advocacy Centre launched an immediate investigation, and Formella was charged with one case of criminal sexual abuse, one count of criminal sexual assault, and one count of aggravated criminal sexual abuse.
Formella initially appeared in court on March 17 and was granted pretrial release. Authorities stated that her release conditions include no admission into Downers Grove South High School and no contact with the victim or anybody under the age of 18.
On April 17, authorities said that the victim and his parents went to the DuPage County Children’s Advocacy Centre for an interview. During the questioning, the victim informed officials of more sexual abuse allegedly perpetrated by Formella.
Investigators believe the sexual assault began in January 2023 and continued until August/September 2024.
During that period, Formella allegedly sent the victim several grooming-related text messages. Formella also allegedly engaged in sexual actions with the victim roughly 50 times, both at school and at Formella’s house, 45 of which occurred at the school.
On Tuesday, June 17, the DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office announced 52 new accusations 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 police.
Formella appeared at a status hearing on Tuesday, and the state filed a second petition to deny her pre-trial release. However, the judge authorised Formella’s release.
Formella’s next court appearance is scheduled for Monday, August 4, 2025.
