Every other week there are cases of teachers being accused of having an inappropriate relationship with their students.A similar such case has emerged from Illinois High School, as a middle-aged teacher has been booked on around 52 charges, including criminal sexual assault of her 14-year-old student.
Christina Formella, a 30-year-old teacher and also a soccer coach from Downers Grove South High School is accused of sexually assaulting the boy in a classroom during a tutoring session before class began at Downers Grove South High School in December 2023. The assault came to light when the victim's mother looked into the text messages of the teacher and her son.
On March 17, during Formella's first court appearance, she was charged with two counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse and one count of criminal sexual assault. While, on Tuesday, DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin announced the teachers' indictment on 52 additional charges.
The 52 charges, include 20 counts of sexual assault, 20 counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse, six counts of indecent solicitation of a child and six counts of grooming, all felony charges.
During the investigation the victim alleged continued sexual abuse from January 2023 through August or September 2024. During this time span the victim and accused were constantly texting each other with getting involved around 50 sexual acts. The claim also suggests that they engaged in sexual acts 45 times at school.
According to some reports her husband is still standing by her side despite the allegations and accompanying her to the court hearings.
Formella appeared in court Tuesday morning for a status hearing, where the state filed a second petition to deny her pretrial release, though Judge Mia McPherson denied the request. Her next appearance is scheduled for Aug 4. If convicted she will face 60 years in prison.
