Illinois Special Education Teacher Arrested for Sexual Relations with Minor

An Illinois grand jury has formally indicted high school teacher Christina Formella on 52 additional charges related to the sexual assault and abuse of a student in 2023. The charges stem from allegations that she engaged in an inappropriate sexual relationship with a 15-year-old student at Downers Grove South High School.

The case came to public attention after video footage from April showed 30-year-old Formella being pulled over during a traffic stop and subsequently taken into custody. Prosecutors allege that the sexual misconduct began in December 2023, when the victim’s mother discovered inappropriate messages on her son’s cellphone and contacted police. The initial charges, filed in March, included two counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse and one count of criminal sexual assault.

The new indictment, announced by DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin, includes 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 felonies. Investigations revealed that the abuse started in January 2023 and continued through August or September 2024, during which Formella allegedly sent the student multiple “grooming” messages and engaged in sexual acts approximately 50 times at both school and her home.

The victim, who was 15 at the time, reported to police along with his parents that Formella, also a soccer coach, had initiated contact after he broke his collarbone, with the inappropriate relationship escalating through messaging and FaceTime conversations. The abuse reportedly involved at least 45 sexual encounters at the school.

During her court appearance, Formella faced a status hearing where the prosecution requested her pretrial detention, but Judge Mia McPherson denied the request. Her next court date is scheduled for August 4. Bodycam footage from her arrest showed her appearing distressed and confused, sobbing in the police vehicle and inquiring about her husband, whom she married last year.

Prosecutors praised the victim’s courage in coming forward and thanked law enforcement and child advocacy personnel for their efforts in the investigation. The authorities described the allegations as “beyond disturbing” and emphasized their commitment to protecting children.

Formella, who also served as a soccer coach, began tutoring the student after he sustained a collarbone injury, during which the inappropriate relationship developed. She was arrested during a traffic stop on March 16, and authorities continue to pursue the case as her next court appearance is set for early August.