Downers Grove, IL – A Downers Grove South High School teacher and soccer coach has been charged with multiple felonies for allegedly sexually assaulting a 15-year-old student, authorities announced Monday.
Christina Formella, 30, of Downers Grove, faces one count of aggravated criminal sexual abuse (Class 1 felony), one count of criminal sexual assault (Class 1 felony), and one count of 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 taken into custody on March 16 following a traffic stop.
Authorities say the student and his mother reported the alleged sexual assault to police on March 15, stating that the incident occurred in December 2023 during a tutoring session at the school. Investigators say the student’s mother discovered evidence of the alleged assault while reviewing her son’s text messages.
Formella appeared in court Monday, where a judge denied the state’s request for pretrial detention, instead releasing her with conditions, including no contact with minors and no entry into the school.
Her next court appearance is scheduled for April 14 before Judge Mia McPherson.
Authorities emphasized that the charges are allegations, and Formella is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
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