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Editor’s Note: This story contains discussions of child abuse that may be disturbing. Reader discretion is advised. If you suspect a child is being abused, find out how to report it in your state here. To connect with a counselor, you can call the National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-422-4253.
DOWNERS GROVE, Ill. (WGN) A west suburban high school teacher accused of sexually abusing one of her students pleaded not guilty to the charges on Monday.
Christina Formella faces two counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse and one count of criminal sexual assault against a minor following allegations involving a 15-year-old boy.
According to prosecutors, the 30-year-old special education teacher and soccer coach at Downers Grove South High School traded explicit text messages with the teenage boy.
Prosecutors also allege that the two had sex in December 2023 inside a classroom.
The investigation began after the boy’s mother allegedly discovered messages he exchanged with Formella.
According to court documents obtained by affiliate WGN News, the boy’s mother purchased a new cellphone to replace a broken one. When she signed into the iCloud, text messages appeared between her son and a number the mother recognized as Formella’s.
In one text exchange unveiled by prosecutors, the student and Formella allegedly professed their love for one another.
WGN News reported that in an interview with detectives, Formella denied sexually abusing the minor, claiming “everybody comes after her because she is good looking and she is just a good person who cared too much about (the boy).”
Authorities said Formella was the boy’s soccer coach and tutor at the time, according to police. Formella has been a volunteer soccer coach for both boys and girls since 2021.
At her initial court appearance, a judge denied prosecutors’ motion to detain Formella. Formella is due back in court in June following Monday’s court appearance.
