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
Feds say gun brandished in shooting; Dems cite Minnesota open carry

Federal Authorities Address Gun Violence Incident as Minnesota’s Open Carry Law Faces Democratic Scrutiny

Intense discussions have emerged surrounding the fatal shooting of Minneapolis nurse Alex…
Elite Moscow university offers students bonuses to join Russian military, with bogus claims of non-combat positions

Prestigious Moscow University Entices Students with Incentives to Enlist in Russian Military, Misleadingly Promoting Non-Combat Roles

In an effort to draw students into non-combat roles, a leading Moscow…
Anti-ICE agitator allegedly bites off federal officer's finger during Minneapolis attack

Activist Accused of Biting Federal Officer’s Finger in Minneapolis Incident

Tricia McLaughlin, the Assistant Secretary for Homeland Security, took to social media…
Denmark's prime minister insists sovereignty is non-negotiable as Trump announces Greenland deal 'framework'

Danish PM Firmly Declares Sovereignty as Trump Proposes Greenland Deal Framework

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has firmly stated that Denmark will not…
Revealed: The dark secrets of the £900m Guinness heir Lady Iveagh

Unveiled: The Hidden Truths Behind the £900 Million Legacy of Guinness Heiress Lady Iveagh

When Clare Hazell, a sophisticated interior designer, wed Arthur Edward Guinness, the…
St. John's beats Xavier as Rick Pitino gets 900th win vs. son

Rick Pitino Secures 900th Career Victory as St. John’s Triumphs Over Xavier in Father-Son Showdown

CINCINNATI — Rick Pitino’s 900th victory unfolded with as much tension and…
Canadian PM Carney fires back at Trump over claim that 'Canada lives because of the United States'

Canadian PM Carney Responds Strongly to Trump’s Remark on Canada’s Dependence

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has firmly dismissed President Donald Trump’s claim…
Harry and Meghan attend Sundance Film Festival to promote new film

Royal Spotlight: Harry and Meghan’s Sundance Debut Shines with New Film Release

At the Sundance Film Festival, Meghan Markle was asked if her daughter,…