Illinois Teacher Faces 52 Additional Charges in Student Sexual Assault Case

Christina Formella, a 30-year-old former special education teacher and soccer coach from Downers Grove South High School in Illinois, is now facing an additional 52 charges related to accusations of having a sexual relationship with a student. The charges were filed during a status hearing on Tuesday, bringing the total to 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 of which are classified as felonies by DuPage County investigators.

The situation came to light on March 15, 2025, when a 15-year-old boy reported inappropriate sexual contact to the Downers Grove Police Department, identifying Formella as his soccer coach and tutor. A joint investigation with the DuPage County Children’s Advocacy Center uncovered that Formella allegedly sexually assaulted the boy during a tutoring session in December 2023, and the abuse reportedly took place around 50 times, predominantly within school premises and at her home.

Formella was employed as a special education teacher at Downers Grove South High School beginning in August 2020 and later became a volunteer soccer coach. Despite her initial denial of the allegations, claiming she was targeted due to her looks, the Board of Education has prohibited her from entering school grounds. Although a petition was filed to deny her pre-trial release, the judge permitted her release, with her next court appearance scheduled for August 4.