Special Ed Teacher Faces 52 New Sexual Charges, Including Grooming, After Alleged Molestation of 15-Year-Old Student

Charges against Christina Formella, a teacher at Downers Grove South High School, have escalated significantly as she now faces 52 new allegations of sexual misconduct involving a former student.

During her arraignment on Tuesday, Formella was hit with 20 counts of aggravated criminal sexual assault, alongside numerous counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse, indecent solicitation of a child, and six counts of grooming. The DuPage County grand jury had indicted her on these additional charges back in May, but the details remained sealed until recently.

Judge Mia McPherson ruled against a request from prosecutor Jaclyn McAndrew to detain Formella before trial, citing insufficient evidence to justify such a measure. However, the judge did impose several conditions aimed at protecting the victim, including the installation of monitoring software on Formella’s electronic devices and a GPS monitor to restrict her proximity to the victim's home, school, or workplace.

“This case is horrific in nature — it’s shocking, it’s appalling,” McPherson remarked, acknowledging the public interest while emphasizing her legal constraints under the SAFE-T Act regarding pretrial detention.

Moment married Illinois special ed teacher accused of raping student, 15, breaks down after learning charges: ‘I’m gonna throw up’ https://t.co/qYJ3u26HZh pic.twitter.com/NFajWfCNre

— New York Post (@nypost) April 2, 2025

McAndrew revealed that the new evidence indicates Formella began contacting the victim when he was just 14 years old, extending their interactions over a two-year period. This timeline extends beyond what was initially understood when Formella was first charged in March.

The original allegations included claims of sexual intercourse occurring in her classroom. However, McAndrew stated that the new charges suggest that the abuse also took place at Formella’s residence in Downers Grove, close to the school.

If convicted on all counts, Formella could face a minimum sentence of 60 years in prison. McAndrew detailed that further investigation included a second interview with the victim, revealing that the incidents began shortly after school commenced in September 2023.

Evidence presented indicated that there were at least 45 instances of sexual activity. Additionally, McAndrew mentioned a text message exchange where Formella expressed concern about being caught by a teacher and referenced a neighbor who had faced similar charges.

Moreover, it was disclosed that at least five incidents occurred at her home during school hours. Formella allegedly confided in the boy about her troubled marriage, claiming her husband was unfaithful and would soon leave her, which she suggested would result in her receiving millions of dollars. Notably, she continued to communicate with him while vacationing in Italy with her husband.

“She is unbelievably conniving and controlling,” McAndrew asserted during the proceedings.

In defense, Rick Kayne, one of Formella’s attorneys, contended that the new allegations did not warrant pretrial detention. He questioned the timing of the state’s request for detention nearly a month after the indictment and argued that state law requires conditions to mitigate risk rather than eliminate it entirely. He also pointed out that no evidence had been presented indicating Formella had engaged in similar behavior with other students.

Formella previously served as a coach for a sports team that the victim participated in during his freshman year.