Illinois Teacher Faces Dozens of New Charges in Student Sexual Abuse Case
DOWNERS GROVE, IL – June 18, 2025 – An Illinois teacher, initially accused of sexual misconduct with a student, is now facing a staggering 52 additional charges, bringing the total number of counts against her to 55. Christina Formella, a former teacher at Downers Grove South High School, was arraigned Tuesday in DuPage County Circuit Court on new indictments that reveal a more extensive and disturbing alleged pattern of abuse.
The new charges against Formella, 30, include 20 counts of criminal sexual assault, 20 counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse, six counts of grooming, and six counts of indecent solicitation of a child. These are all serious felonies in Illinois, with criminal sexual assault being a Class 1 felony.
Prosecutors allege that the inappropriate relationship with the male student began in January 2023, when the victim was 14 years old, and continued through the summer of 2024. The DuPage County State’s Attorney’s office stated that further investigation, including a second interview with the victim in April, uncovered previously unknown details of the abuse. It is now alleged that Formella engaged in sexual acts with the student approximately 50 times, both at the school and at her home.
State’s Attorney Robert Berlin condemned the alleged actions, stating, “The new allegations against Ms. Formella, including the allegations of grooming and that the abuse lasted nearly two years, are beyond disturbing.”1 He also commended the victim for his courage in coming forward.
Formella was initially arrested in March after the student’s mother discovered suspicious text messages on her son’s phone and reported them to the Downers Grove Police Department. At that time, Formella was charged with three counts related to alleged sexual misconduct.
Despite the severity and quantity of the new charges, Judge Mia McPherson denied the prosecution’s request to revoke Formella’s bail and detain her pretrial. While acknowledging the allegations as “horrifying in nature,” “shocking,” and “appalling,” Judge McPherson concluded that the general public was not at risk and that further restrictions could be placed to protect the alleged victim.2 Formella is now required to wear a GPS ankle monitor, surrender her passport, and cannot leave Illinois without court permission.
Community High School District 99 has confirmed that Formella resigned from her position and voluntarily surrendered her teaching license on Monday, the day before her court appearance. Authorities continue to cooperate with law enforcement in the ongoing investigation.
If convicted of all charges, Formella could face a sentence of at least 60 years in prison, according to prosecutors. Her next court appearance is scheduled for August 4.
