Christina Formella is scheduled to appear in court again on April 14.
DUPAGE COUNTY, Ill. — A teacher has been charged with multiple felony counts after allegedly engaging in an inappropriate sexual relationship with a 15-year-old student, authorities announced Wednesday.
Christina Formella, 30, faces one count of aggravated criminal sexual abuse, one count of criminal sexual assault and one count of aggravated criminal sexual abuse, according to DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Downers Grove Police Chief Michael DeVries.
Formella was released with conditions, including restrictions barring her from entering Downers Grove South High School and from having contact with minors. The state’s motion to detain her pre-trial was denied.
Authorities say the victim and his mother reported the alleged assault to the Downers Grove Police Department on March 15,. The mother discovered the incident while reviewing text messages on her son’s phone. An investigation by the Downers Grove Police Department and the DuPage County Children’s Advocacy Center revealed that the alleged assault took place in December 2023 during a tutoring session before school began.
On March 16, Downers Grove detectives conducted a traffic stop on Formella and took her into custody.
“The allegations against Ms. Formella are extremely disturbing,” Berlin said. “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.”
DeVries commended the investigative efforts, stating, “The safety and well-being of our children remain our highest priority, and we will take all necessary actions to ensure that anyone engaging in this type of conduct is held accountable.”
Formella is scheduled to appear in court again on April 14.