Married Special Education Teacher and Coach Charged with Sexually Abusing a 15-Year-Old Student

Christina Formella, 30, has been accused of sexually assaulting a teenager she was tutoring

A special education teacher and soccer coach at Downers Grove South High School has been arrested and charged with sexually assaulting a 15-year-old student.

Christina Formella, 30, was taken into custody following an investigation that began when the student and his mother reported the alleged abuse to police. Authorities believe the incidents began in December 2023 during a tutoring session in a classroom.

Formella is now facing charges of aggravated criminal sexual abuse and criminal sexual assault against a minor

Court documents indicate that the boy’s mother discovered explicit text messages between her son and Formella after purchasing a new phone and signing into his iCloud account. The messages allegedly detailed their relationship, including professions of love and references to sexual activity. The student was 15 years old at the time and Formella was 28 years old.

During questioning, the student stated that he and Formella had been in contact for over a year and had previously communicated via FaceTime while she was out of state. Investigators also found references to the student in Formella’s phone notes. When confronted, she initially claimed the writings were an outlet for her anxiety and that any references to sexual activity pertained to her husband.

The Chicago-area special education teacher got married to her college sweetheart in August. They are pictured here in college at Concordia University

In one text exchange, the student and allegedly Formella professed their love:

Student: “I love you so so much mama.”

Formella: “I love you sooooo much baby… Even though this morning was short, it was perfect”

Student: “I know baby it was perfect baby so perfect.”

Formella: “I love having sex with you.”

Student: “I know baby I love it so much… It feels so good… It’s so passionate. .. It’s so intimate … It’s so perfect.”

Formella — who married her college sweetheart in August 2024 — also coached soccer at the school

Formella faces two counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse and one count of criminal sexual assault against a minor.

At her initial court appearance, a judge denied the prosecution’s request to detain her, granting release with conditions, including no contact with individuals under 18 and no entry to the school.

District 99 placed Formella on paid administrative leave and informed students and parents.

“We are devastated, and our community is reeling,” school principal Arwen Lyp wrote in a message to parents Monday.

“An adult has been charged with the most serious of violations, and trust has been broken. Our team is here to support students who are impacted by this terrible news.”

Formella is married to a former college athlete who she went to Concordia University Chicago with