DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Downers Grove Chief of Police Michael DeVries announced today that a Downers Grove woman has been accused of having an inappropriate sexual relationship with a student. Christina Formella, age 30, of the 1300 block of Hughes Avenue in Downers Grove, appeared in First Appearance Court this morning charged with one count of Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse (Class 1 Felony), one count of Criminal Sexual Assault (Class 1 Felony) and one count of Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse (Class 2 Felony). At her appearance, the Court denied the State’s motion to detain Formella pre-trial and released her with conditions including no entry into Downers Grove South High School, and no contact with anyone under the age of eighteen.
On March 15, 2025, the victim, who was fifteen years old at the time of the alleged assault, and his mother went to the Downers Grove Police Department to report inappropriate sexual contact allegedly committed by the boy’s soccer coach/tutor, later identified as Formella. Following an investigation by the Downers Grove Police Department and the DuPage County Children’s Advocacy Center, it is alleged that in December 2023, the victim and Formella were in a classroom for a tutoring session before school began, when Formella sexually assaulted the boy. On March 16, 2025, Downers Grove detectives conducted a traffic stop on Formella and took her into custody. The victim’s mother discovered the alleged assault when looking through her son’s text message thread on his cell phone.
“The allegations against Ms. Formella are extremely disturbing. 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.”
— DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert B. Berlin
“I want to thank our team of detectives for their dedication and thorough investigation of this deeply concerning case. The safety and well-being of our children remain our highest priority, and we will take all necessary actions to ensure that anyone engaging in this type of conduct is held accountable. I would also like to thank DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin, his office, and the DuPage County Children’s Center for their assistance with this case.”
— Downers Grove Chief of Police Michael DeVries
Formella’s next court appearance is scheduled for April 14, 2025, in front of Judge Mia McPherson.
Members of the public are reminded that this complaint contains only charges and is not proof of the defendant’s guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the government’s burden to prove his or her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
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