Fact Check: "Charges include 20 counts of Criminal Sexual Assault"
What We Know
Christina Formella, a former teacher at Downers Grove South High School, has been indicted on multiple charges, including twenty counts of Criminal Sexual Assault. According to the DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin, a grand jury returned a true bill against Formella on May 20, 2025, which included charges of twenty counts of Criminal Sexual Assault (Class 1 Felony), among other serious allegations such as Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse and Indecent Solicitation of a Child (DuPage County State's Attorney). The indictment stems from allegations that Formella engaged in inappropriate sexual conduct with a student, which reportedly began in January 2023 and continued until August/September 2024 (DuPage County State's Attorney).
Analysis
The claim that charges include 20 counts of Criminal Sexual Assault is substantiated by official statements from the DuPage County State's Attorney's office. The source of this information is a press release detailing the indictment, which is a reliable and authoritative source of legal information. The press release outlines the specific charges against Formella, confirming that the grand jury's findings included the twenty counts of Criminal Sexual Assault (DuPage County State's Attorney).
While the legal definitions and implications of Criminal Sexual Assault can vary by jurisdiction, the charges against Formella fall under Illinois law, which categorizes such offenses as serious felonies. The nature of these charges indicates a significant legal process ahead, with a presumption of innocence until proven guilty in court (Code of Virginia).
The credibility of the source is high, as it comes directly from a state attorney's office, which is responsible for prosecuting criminal cases. There are no indications of bias in the reporting of these charges, as the information is presented in a straightforward manner, focusing on the legal proceedings.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that Christina Formella faces 20 counts of Criminal Sexual Assault is accurate and supported by official legal documentation from the DuPage County State's Attorney's office. The evidence presented confirms the existence of these charges, and the source is credible and reliable.
