Downers Grove, IL – A Downers Grove South High School special education teacher pleaded not guilty Monday in DuPage County Circuit Court after being accused of sexually abusing a student. Christina Formella, 30, faces one count of criminal sexual assault and two counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse. She was arrested last month after a student and his mother reported the alleged abuse to police, which authorities say began when the boy was 15 years old.
Student Teacher Sexual Abuse Charges and Potential Sentences
If convicted of criminal sexual assault, Formella could be sentenced to four to 15 years in prison, with no possibility of probation. The aggravated criminal sexual abuse charges carry potential sentences of three to 15 years, with some eligibility for probation. Any conviction would require her to register as a sex offender.
Details of the Allegations of Grooming and Sexual Abuse
The allegations came to light when the boy’s mother discovered text messages between her son and Formella after purchasing him a new phone. The messages, which appeared to indicate a sexual relationship, prompted the family to contact police. According to court records, the alleged abuse occurred inside a classroom in December 2023, when the boy was 15 and Formella was 28.
The teen was later interviewed by an investigator with the DuPage County Children’s Advocacy Center. He reportedly told authorities that he last spoke with Formella in February 2024, and both acknowledged the relationship was wrong.
Formella was arrested the day after the report was made. Investigators seized her phone and discovered diary entries in the Notes app referencing the student. During a police interview, Formella denied having sex with the teen but admitted she knew the relationship was inappropriate. She also claimed the boy had blackmailed her and manipulated her phone to create incriminating messages, and alleged he had stalked her. Her husband, however, told detectives he was unaware of any such behavior.
Formella told police that her personal notes were a way to process anxiety and that any references to sex were not about the student.
Ongoing Investigation into Teacher’s Sexual Misconduct
The case continues to attract significant public attention as the investigation proceeds. Formella remains under court supervision as both sides prepare for the next hearing.
Understanding Legal Options for Victims of Teacher Sexual Abuse
When allegations of sexual abuse by educators emerge, affected students and their families often face confusion about their rights and the legal steps they can take. To clarify these important issues, attorney Laurence Banville spoke with Illinois sexual abuse lawyer Erv Nevitt, who shared practical advice on how victims can navigate the criminal and civil justice systems to protect themselves and hold offenders accountable.
Laurence Banville, Esq.: Erv, when a student or their family comes forward with allegations of sexual abuse by a teacher, what steps can they take under Illinois law?
Erv Nevitt, Esq.: Victims have several avenues. They can cooperate with law enforcement to initiate a criminal investigation, which is what we’re seeing in this case. Separately, they can file a civil lawsuit against the perpetrator and, in some cases, the school district if there’s evidence the school failed to protect the student or ignored warning signs.
Banville: What kind of compensation or outcomes can families expect from a civil case?
Nevitt: Civil cases can provide financial compensation for things like emotional distress, therapy costs, and other damages. More importantly, these cases can push schools to improve their policies and training, making it less likely for similar incidents to happen again.
Banville: Are there any barriers that victims should be aware of?
Nevitt: Timing is important. Illinois has specific statutes of limitations for both criminal and civil cases, though recent changes have extended those windows for child sexual abuse survivors. It’s also important for families to document everything and seek legal counsel early to protect their rights.
Banville: Thank you, Erv. Your perspective helps clarify the path forward for those impacted by these difficult situations.
Nevitt: My pleasure, Laurence. The most important thing is that victims know they’re not alone and that help is available.
Support Is Within Reach: Contact Us for a Free Consultation
If your family has been affected by sexual abuse involving a teacher, you don’t have to face this difficult journey alone. Understanding your legal rights and options is the first step toward healing and accountability. Reach out today for a free, confidential consultation with experienced attorneys ready to guide you through every stage of the process. Your voice matters, and help is available.
Source
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/04/14/downers-grove-south-teacher-sexual-abuse/
