DOWNERS GROVE — A former Downers Grove South High School teacher accused of sexually abusing a student has been indicted on 52 additional charges, according to the DuPage County State’s Attorney.
Christina Formella, 30, had previously been arrested in March 2025 after a 15-year-old student came forward with allegations of a sexual relationship that began in early 2023. On May 20, a grand jury returned a sweeping indictment that adds dozens of new counts, including Criminal Sexual Assault, Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse, Indecent Solicitation of a Child, and Grooming.
Alleged Abuse Lasted Nearly 2 Years
Prosecutors say the abuse began as early as January 2023 and allegedly continued through August or September 2024. Investigators revealed that the victim and Formella engaged in sexual acts approximately 50 times, including at least 45 incidents on school grounds.
The DuPage County Children’s Advocacy Center, working in coordination with the Downers Grove Police Department, uncovered the extensive history of abuse after conducting follow-up interviews with the victim earlier this week. Those interviews led to the latest round of charges.
Text Messages and Grooming Behavior
Authorities say Formella sent multiple texts with grooming content to the minor, cultivating an inappropriate and exploitative relationship that went unchecked for nearly two years. Officials highlighted the disturbing nature of the grooming tactics allegedly used by Formella to manipulate and control the victim.
DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin stated:
“The new allegations against Ms. Formella, including that the abuse happened dozens of times and occurred primarily at the school, are beyond disturbing. This is a betrayal of trust on every level.”
Legal Proceedings and Conditions of Release
Formella had previously appeared in court on March 17, where she was released under strict conditions that barred any contact with minors. She remains under investigation while awaiting her next court appearance related to the expanded charges.
It’s unclear at this time whether additional victims have come forward, but the State’s Attorney’s office emphasized that the case remains open and more developments may follow.
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