Thu Mar 20 08:45:00 UTC 2025: ## Illinois Soccer Coach and Teacher Charged with Sexually Assaulting Student

**Downers Grove, IL** – Christina Formella, a 30-year-old special education teacher and soccer coach at Downers Grove South High School, has been charged with multiple felony counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse and criminal sexual assault of a 15-year-old student. Formella pleaded not guilty, claiming in a police interview that the allegations stem from her being “good-looking” and a “good person,” and suggesting a blackmail scheme by the victim.

The charges followed a report filed by the 15-year-old victim and his mother on March 15th, alleging inappropriate sexual contact. A joint investigation by Downers Grove Police and the DuPage County Children’s Advocacy Center revealed that the alleged assault occurred in December 2023 during a tutoring session in a classroom before school. The victim’s mother discovered the alleged abuse after reviewing her son’s text messages.

Formella, employed by the school since August 2020 and volunteering as a soccer coach since 2021, was immediately placed on administrative leave and is barred from school grounds. At a court appearance on Monday, a judge denied a request to detain Formella before trial, but she was released under conditions including a ban on contact with minors and entry onto school property.

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin called the allegations “extremely disturbing,” emphasizing the breach of trust involved. Downers Grove South High School Board of Education President Don Renner expressed heartbreak for the victim and the school community, assuring families of support and emphasizing the school’s commitment to student safety and cooperation with ongoing law enforcement investigations. The school is notifying families whose children had direct contact with Formella. Formella’s next court appearance is scheduled for April 14, 2025.

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