Christina Formella update: Former Downers Grove South High School facing 52 more charges for alleged sexual assault, sex abuse
Share and Follow

WHEATON, Ill. (WLS) — A former west suburban teacher accused of having an inappropriate relationship with a student is facing 52 additional charges in connection with the case, the DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office said on Tuesday.

Christina Formella, a 30-year-old former Downers Grove South High School teacher and soccer coach, appeared at a status hearing on Tuesday morning.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

The alleged victim, who was 15 years old at the time of the alleged abuse, and his parents went to the Downers Grove Police Department to report Formella, who was his soccer coach and tutor, on March 15.

Formella originally appeared in court on March 17 to face one count of Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse, one count of Criminal Sexual Assault and one count of Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse.

SEE ALSO | Downers Grove South HS teacher pleads not guilty to sex abuse charges: docs

But she is now facing additional charges related to previously unknown sexual abuse and assault of the student, the state’s attorney’s office said.

The alleged abuse began in January 2023 and continued through August or September 2024.

During that time, Formella and the victim allegedly engaged in sexual acts at least 50 times, including at least 45 times at the school and multiple other times at her home. Formella also allegedly sent the student texts “that were grooming in nature,” the state’s attorney’s office said.

READ MORE | Downers Grove South HS teacher charged with sex abuse after teen’s mom finds explicit texts: docs

Formella is now charged with an additional 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.

A judge rejected the state’s request to deny Formella pre-trial release, but she is not allowed to go to the school or contact the victim or anyone under 18 years old.

Formella’s next court appearance is scheduled for Aug. 4.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
A second Super Bowl for Matthew Stafford could cap off NFL legacy

Matthew Stafford Eyes Second Super Bowl Victory to Cement NFL Legacy

SEATTLE — Matthew Stafford has an opportunity to solidify his place in…
Climber reveals 'embarrassing' fee he got to scale 101-story building

Climber Discloses Shocking Low Pay for Scaling Iconic 101-Story Skyscraper

Renowned daredevil climber Alex Honnold recently disclosed that he received a surprisingly…
2006 Vanity Fair article appears to predict America's future

Unveiling the 2006 Vanity Fair Prophecy: How It Foretold America’s Future

Vanity Fair has once again stirred conversation, this time not with a…
Iran's top prosecutor criticizes Trump's announcement that 800+ executions were halted: 'Completely false'

Iranian Prosecutor Rebukes Trump’s Claim of Halting 800+ Executions as ‘Completely False

On Friday, Iran’s chief prosecutor refuted a claim by former President Donald…
Trump pressures UK over Hamas-linked figure as US intel flags potential terror threat

Trump Urges UK Action on Hamas-Connected Individual Amid US Intelligence Alert

Trump, Netanyahu present united front against Hamas, Iran In the midst of…
Warriors vs. Minnesota Timberwolves game on ABC postponed following deadly Minneapolis shooting involving federal agents

ABC Postpones Warriors vs. Timberwolves Game Amid Minneapolis Shooting Incident Involving Federal Agents

In light of escalating tensions in Minneapolis, the NBA has decided to…
MARK HALPERIN's analysis of Minneapolis shooting exposes a cold truth

Unveiling the Harsh Reality: Mark Halperin’s Insightful Analysis of the Minneapolis Shooting

Seventeen days have passed since the tragic shooting of Renee Good in…
DHS officer appears to CLAP as Alex Jeffrey Pretti was killed

DHS Officer Caught on Camera During Fatal Incident Involving Alex Jeffrey Pretti

A video making rounds on social media captures a Department of Homeland…