DOWNERS GROVE, IL – March 17, 2025 – A married special education teacher from Downers Grove South High School has been charged with sexually assaulting a 15-year-old student during a tutoring session, authorities announced this week. Christina Formella, 30, faces serious allegations stemming from an incident that reportedly occurred in a classroom before school hours.
Formella, who also served as a soccer coach at the school, is accused of abusing her position of trust to perpetrate the assault. The incident came to light after the victim’s mother discovered incriminating evidence while reviewing her son’s phone, prompting an investigation by local law enforcement.
DuPage County Attorney Robert Berlin condemned the alleged actions in a statement, saying, “The allegations against Ms. Formella are extremely disturbing. It is alleged that she used her position of trust and authority as a tutor and a coach to sexually assault a minor student. The type of abuse and behavior alleged in this case will not be tolerated.”
Formella, who married her college sweetheart in August 2024, now faces two counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse and one count of criminal sexual assault, according to charges detailed by the New York Post. The accusations have shocked the local community, raising concerns about student safety and oversight within the school.
Downers Grove South High School has not yet released an official statement regarding Formella’s employment status or the incident. Authorities are continuing their investigation, and Formella is expected to appear in court in the coming weeks as the legal process unfolds.
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