A Downers Grove South High School teacher and soccer coach has been charged with multiple felonies after allegedly sexually assaulting a 15-year-old student, authorities reported on Monday.
Christina Formella, 30, of Downers Grove, is charged with aggravated criminal sexual abuse (Class 1 felony), criminal sexual assault (Class 1 felony), and aggravated criminal sexual abuse (Class 2 felony). According to DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Downers Grove Police Chief Michael DeVries, Formella was arrested on March 16 after a traffic check.
According to authorities, the youngster and his mother reported the alleged sexual assault to police on March 15, claiming that it had taken place during a tutoring session at the school in December 2023. Investigators say the student’s mother found proof of the alleged assault while analyzing her son’s text messages.
Formella appeared in court on Monday, when a judge dismissed the state’s request for pretrial detention, instead releasing her on terms such as no contact with youngsters and no admission into school.
Her next court appearance is set for April 14 before Judge Mia McPherson.
Authorities noted that the charges are allegations, and Formella is assumed innocent unless proven guilty.
