Reported by M10News
Christina Formella, a married special education teacher and soccer coach at Downers Grove South High School, is facing felony charges for allegedly sexually assaulting a 15-year-old student during a tutoring session in December 2023, according to newly revealed court documents.
How the Alleged Abuse Unfolded
The disturbing relationship reportedly began when Formella, 30, started privately tutoring the boy after he suffered a broken collarbone.
What began as flirtatious messages on a school digital platform escalated to explicit texts and FaceTime calls, court records show.
In December 2023, the pair allegedly engaged in a sexual encounter in a classroom before school, with Formella shutting the door before the incident, prosecutors claim.
The boy’s mother later discovered graphic text messages, including one where Formella allegedly wrote: “I love having sex with you”.
Formella’s Defense: “Blackmail” and Being “Good-Looking”
During police questioning, Formella denied the allegations, claiming the boy had stolen her phone and fabricated the texts as part of a blackmail scheme. She reportedly told officers:
“Everybody comes after me because I’m good-looking… I’m a good person who cares too much about him.”.
Discovery and Arrest
The alleged abuse came to light in mid-March 2025, when the boy’s mother was setting up a new phone and found the inappropriate messages.
Formella was arrested on March 16 during a traffic stop, where bodycam footage captured her breaking down in tears upon hearing the charges.
Fallout and Legal Consequences
- Formella was released on bond but barred from contact with minors or entering Downers Grove South High School.
- She faces two counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse and one count of criminal sexual assault.
- The school has placed her on paid administrative leave.
Community Reaction
School officials expressed shock and devastation, with Principal Arwen Lyp stating:
“An adult has been charged with the most serious of violations, and trust has been broken.”.
Formella’s next court appearance is scheduled for April 14, 2025.
Keywords: Christina Formella, Downers Grove South High School, special education teacher, sexual assault, 15-year-old student, explicit texts, blackmail, good-looking, tutoring session, soccer coach, court documents, arrest, aggravated criminal sexual abuse.
— Reported by M10News
