Former Illinois teacher charged with 52 new counts of student sexual abuse

DOWNERS GROVE, Ill. (WGN) – A former high school teacher from a Chicago suburb, who was previously charged with having a sexual relationship with a student, has been indicted on 52 additional charges.

Christina Formella, 30, was originally taken into custody during a traffic stop in March and charged with one count of criminal sexual abuse, one count of criminal sexual assault and one count of aggravated criminal sexual abuse.

The victim — who was 15 at the time of the alleged assault — went to the Downers Grove Police Department with his parents to report inappropriate sexual contact, allegedly on the part of Formella.

Police believe in Dec. 2023, Formella allegedly sexually assaulted the boy when they were in a classroom for a tutoring session before school began.

According to court documents, the boy had a broken cell phone and his mother purchased a new one for him. She signed into the Cloud and, at that time, text messages appeared between her son and a number the mother recognized as being Formella’s, according to the allegations.

Court documents also show that the investigation into Formella’s phone records showed several mentions of the student in her “Notes” app.

When confronted about that material, Formella initially told police the writings were an “outlet for her anxiety” and said any reference to sex was specifically about her husband.

Formella first appeared in court on March 17 and was granted pre-trial release. Authorities said conditions of her release include no entry into Downers Grove South High School and no contact with the victim or anyone under the age of 18.

During more interviews, the victim told officials of additional sexual abuse allegedly committed by Formella. Based on this, investigators believe the sexual abuse began in January 2023 and continued through August/September 2024.

During that time, Formella allegedly sent the victim multiple text messages that were grooming in nature. Formella also allegedly engaged in sexual acts with the victim approximately 50 times, both at the school and at Formella’s home.

On Tuesday, June 17, the DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office announced 52 additional charges against Formella. She has now been charged with 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, according to investigators.

Formella appeared at a status hearing Tuesday where the state filed a second petition to deny her pre-trial release. The judge, however, granted Formella’s release.

Formella’s next court appearance is scheduled for Monday, Aug 4, 2025.

“The new allegations against Ms. Formella, including the allegations of grooming and that the abuse lasted nearly two years, are beyond disturbing,” DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin said. “I thank the victim in this case for having the courage to come forward during what I image is an extremely difficult time for him. I also thank the DuPage County Children’s Center, particularly Investigator George Fencl, as well as Assistant State’s Attorneys Jaclyn McAndrew and Michael Fisher for their work not only in this case but for their continued efforts protecting our children.”