In a shocking turn of events in Downers Grove, Illinois, special education teacher Christina Formella has been accused of sexually abusing one of her students.
The 30-year-old teacher, who also coached boys’ and girls’ soccer, was arrested on March 16, 2025, after police uncovered disturbing text messages and evidence.
The accusations have sent shockwaves through the tight-knit community, and new details are emerging as the case unfolds.
The Alleged Assault
The allegations against Christina Formella stem from an incident that occurred in December 2023 during a tutoring session before school. At the time, Formella was 28, and the victim was a 15-year-old student.
The student, who was also on the soccer team coached by Formella, reportedly came forward with the help of his mother after she discovered explicit texts between the teacher and her son.
According to the Downers Grove Police Department, the texts suggested an inappropriate relationship between the two, prompting the authorities to open an investigation.
Prosecutors have revealed that the abuse may have occurred over a span of two years, starting when the victim was 14. In court, they accused Formella of being manipulative and controlling, claiming that she had sexual relations with the victim at least 45 times, both during school hours and at other locations.
Christina Formella’s Arrest
Christina Formella was arrested on March 16, 2025, during a traffic stop. Body camera footage from the arrest showed her exiting her husband’s car and being handcuffed by police. In the video, Formella appears to break down in tears, asking if she was in trouble and expressing concern about her husband’s involvement.
While being questioned by police, Formella allegedly admitted that the sexual abuse had started about “a year and a half ago.” However, she later denied any sexual involvement with the victim, even going so far as to call him a “stalker.”
Evidence Found on Formella’s Phone
After her arrest, investigators obtained several explicit text messages from Formella’s phone, including one that allegedly read, “I love you sooooo much baby… Even though this morning was short, it was perfect.”
When confronted with these messages, Formella claimed that the victim had taken her phone and sent the texts to himself, before deleting them from her device. She suggested that the victim saved them on his phone to blackmail her.
In addition to the text messages, police reportedly found a disturbing “memoir” written in Formella’s Notes app. The memoir contained passages expressing anger toward the victim, including one that read, “We will never ever be together again. I’m not a second choice. I’m the best thing you’ll ever have even with all of my mistakes.”
There were also entries under a section titled “Manifestations,” where Formella allegedly predicted that the victim would try to fix their relationship. When asked about these writings, Formella claimed they were just an outlet for her anxiety and that any references to sexual activity were about her husband, not the victim.
The Alleged Victim
The victim’s identity has not been publicly released. However, police confirmed that he was 15 years old at the time of the alleged assault, and that Formella was both his soccer coach and tutor. The victim reported the assault to local police in March 2025, with the support of his mother, after she discovered the explicit messages on his phone.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
Christina Formella was initially charged with two counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse and one count of criminal sexual assault against a minor.
During her first court appearance, the judge denied the motion to detain her before the trial, instead releasing her with the condition that she could not enter Downers Grove South High School or have contact with anyone under the age of 18. She was also placed on administrative leave from her teaching position.
In June 2025, new charges were brought against Formella, bringing the total to 52 additional counts. These new charges include accusations of grooming the victim over a two-year period. Formella has since resigned from her position at the high school and relinquished her teaching license.
What’s Next in the Case?
As of now, the case is ongoing, and the next court dates will likely provide more clarity on the full extent of the charges against Formella. The community of Downers Grove continues to grapple with the shock of the allegations, and authorities are working to ensure that justice is served.
The case against Christina Formella has rocked the Downers Grove community, leaving many stunned by the seriousness of the charges. The details that have emerged in the investigation, including the explicit messages and Formella’s writings, paint a disturbing picture of abuse and manipulation.
As the legal proceedings continue, the public will closely follow the case, awaiting justice for the victim and a resolution to this troubling situation.
