Tutor Accused Of Sexually Assaulting Student At Downers Grove South

DOWNERS GROVE, IL — A former tutor and soccer coach is accused of sexually assaulting a boy, 15, in a classroom at Downers Grove South High School.

Christina Formella, 30, of the 1300 block of Hughes Avenue, Downers Grove, was charged with aggravated criminal sexual assault, criminal sexual assault and aggravated sexual abuse in connection with the December 2023 incident.

Prosecutors say police had been contacted by the boy's mom after she learned of the incident via his cellphone text messages. A subsequent investigation was launched by DuPage County Children’s Advocacy Center.

Formella was taken into custody Sunday during a traffic stop.

“The allegations against Ms. Formella are extremely disturbing,” DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin said in a statement.

Berlin added, “It is alleged that she used her position of trust and authority as a tutor and a coach to sexually assault a minor student. The type of abuse and behavior alleged in this case will not be tolerated. I thank the Downers Grove Police Department for their efforts on this case and authorities at Downers Grove South High School for their cooperation in this matter. I also thank the DuPage County Children’s Center as well as Assistant State’s Attorney Jaclyn McAndrew for her work not only in this case but for their continued efforts protecting our children.”

Formella was placed on paid administrative leave. She was granted pre-trial release, but is prohibited from going into Downers Grove South High School or interacting with anyone younger than 18 years old.

Downers Grove South Principal Arwen Lyp shared the following with Downers Grove High School parents and staff,

Dear DGS Students and Families,

Early this morning, we learned that DGS teacher Christina Formella was arrested and detained by law enforcement yesterday afternoon. She was arraigned this morning, and charged with aggravated criminal sexual abuse and assault with a minor. The minor is a current DGS student. Formella has been placed on administrative leave with pay.

Formella has been teaching in our special services department since the 2020-21 school year. She was a volunteer soccer coach starting in the fall of 2020, and has been on the coaching staff for both girls and boys soccer since August 2021.

We are cooperating with law enforcement to investigate the allegations. Additionally, we will contact families whose students have had direct contact with Formella. If you have any information related to these allegations, please contact me or a member of our administrative or counseling team immediately.

We are devastated, and our community is reeling. 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.

We encourage anyone who needs to share concerns about safety with us. You can do so anonymously at any time at Safe2Help Illinois, by contacting your student’s school counselor, or by contacting me directly.