Prosecutors have presented these messages as evidence of sexual assault.
Christina Formella, a 30-year-old special education teacher and soccer coach at Downers Grove South High School, faces allegations of sending inappropriate messages to a student.
Court documents obtained by WGN9 outline how Formella is accused of conveying affection and sexual intent in these communications.
The text messages, discovered on the boy’s phone, reportedly include a message from Formella where she told the boy: “I love having s** with you.”
In one exchange, the boy sent Formella a text saying: “I love you so so much mama.”
Formella, then 28 years old, allegedly responded: “I love you sooooo much baby… Even though this morning was short, it was perfect.”
The boy replied: “I know baby it was perfect baby so perfect,” before Formella allegedly spoke about her feelings regarding their s**ual encounters.
The boy then reportedly said: “I know baby I love it so much … It feels so good … It’s so passionate … It’s so intimate … It’s so perfect.”
Law enforcement officials interpreted these messages as proof of an improper relationship and evidence that Formella had s**ually abused the student.
Authorities allege this abuse spanned a significant period, beginning during a classroom tutoring session in December 2023 and continuing until the boy brought it to an end.
Following Formella’s arrest in a Chicago suburb on Sunday, investigators reportedly uncovered additional suggestive content in the ‘Notes’ application on her phone, which allegedly points to a sexual relationship with an underage student, according to court documents.
However, Formella has provided an alternative explanation for the content, claiming it served merely as an outlet for her anxiety. She maintains that any sexually explicit material was directed solely at her husband, as reported by the New York Post.
Firmly denying the accusations, Formella insists that she is the victim of a setup and blackmail orchestrated by the boy she tutored and coached. She also claimed that her physical appearance made her a target. As stated in court documents per the Independent, Formella allegedly said, “Everybody comes after me because I’m good looking, and I’m just a good person who cared too much about him.”
The text messages came to light on Friday when the boy’s mother purchased him a new phone. While setting it up, she accessed his iCloud account and discovered the incriminating messages. She immediately took her son to the Downers Grove police station to report the alleged abuse.
Formella faces serious charges, including two counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse and one count of criminal sexual assault. She was released under specific conditions, including a ban from entering school grounds and any contact with individuals under the age of 18.
Social media photos indicate that Formella and her husband, whom she reportedly met in college, were married recently, possibly in August.
The images depict the couple smiling and embracing, seemingly portraying a happy and healthy relationship. They were reportedly student-athletes together at Concordia University.
Formella began her teaching career at Downers Grove High School in 2020, having obtained her teaching license in 2017.
Following these allegations, she has been placed on paid leave from her position.
Don Renner, the Board of Education President, communicated the news to the school community, stating: “In coordination with local law enforcement, we have communicated this terrible news to our entire school community.”
He expressed deep concern, saying, “We are heartbroken for the victim and also for the hundreds of students, staff, and families who trusted this teacher and feel betrayed by this terrible situation.”
Renner emphasized that the school’s priority is to support the victim and ensure the safety and well-being of all students.
He also mentioned that the school would be contacting families whose students had direct contact with Formella.
He urged students to report any concerning or unusual incidents to the police or school officials, reiterating that the high school takes ‘all reports seriously.’
The school is actively cooperating with law enforcement as the investigation continues. Formella is scheduled to appear in court again on April 14, 2025.
