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
Judge says government can't limit passport sex markers for many transgender, nonbinary people

Court rules that government cannot restrict gender markers on passports for numerous transgender and nonbinary individuals

BOSTON (AP) — A federal judge has blocked the Trump administration from…
Fake cop suspected in lawmaker assassination had extensive security training before 'targeted' attack

Fake cop suspected in lawmaker assassination had extensive security training before ‘targeted’ attack

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! The Minnesota man accused…
Portillo's breakfast menu added to locations in Chicago, Summit, Skokie, Glendale Heights, Harwood Heights, South Loop, Niles

New breakfast options now available at Portillo’s in various Chicago locations: Summit, Skokie, Glendale Heights, Harwood Heights, South Loop, and Niles

CHICAGO (WLS) — More Portillo’s restaurants in the Chicago area will servce…
White House denies reporting by Guardian on VA benefits: 'totally FALSE story'

White House Disputes Guardian’s VA Benefits Reporting as ‘Completely Inaccurate’

(The Hill) — The Trump administration on Monday denied reporting by The…
Lawmakers get safety briefing after Minnesota shootings

Minnesota shootings prompt safety briefing for lawmakers

() Lawmakers are getting briefed on security options following the shooting of…
The terrifying U.S. weapon that will strike fear into Iranian chiefs

The frightening American weapon that will provoke fear in Iranian leaders

It weighs 30,000 pounds, can smash through 200ft of earth, concrete and…
Ariana Grande announces devastating family loss in heartbreaking post

Heartbreaking post from Ariana Grande reveals tragic news about her family

Ariana Grande has revealed her grandmother -affectionately known as Nonna Marjorie –…
Senators call for security funding uptick as Minnesota shootings spook Capitol Hill 

Senators Advocate for Increased Security Funding After Minnesota Shootings unsettle Capitol Hill

Senators on Tuesday pleaded with top Capitol Police officials for an uptick…