Fact Check: Former Teacher Faces 52 New Charges for Student Sexual Abuse
What We Know
Christina Formella, a 30-year-old former teacher and soccer coach at Downers Grove South High School in Illinois, is facing 52 new charges related to the alleged sexual abuse of a student. According to the DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin, these charges include 20 counts of criminal sexual assault, 20 counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse, six counts of indecent solicitation of a child, and six counts of grooming (USA TODAY, Fox 32 Chicago). The allegations state that the abuse began in January 2023 and continued until August or September 2024, during which time Formella allegedly engaged in sexual acts with the victim approximately 50 times, primarily at the school (KXAN, Fox News).
The victim, who was 15 years old at the time of the reported incidents, and his parents reported the inappropriate contact to the police on March 15, 2025. Following this, an investigation by the Downers Grove Police Department and the DuPage County Children’s Advocacy Center led to the charges against Formella (USA TODAY, Fox 32 Chicago). Formella has pleaded not guilty to the initial charges and is currently free on bond, with conditions barring her from contacting the victim or any minors (Fox News).
Analysis
The claim that Christina Formella faces 52 new charges for student sexual abuse is substantiated by multiple credible sources. Both USA TODAY and Fox News report on the indictment and provide detailed accounts of the charges, the timeline of the alleged abuse, and the legal proceedings involved (USA TODAY, Fox News). The consistency across these reports lends credibility to the information presented.
The sources used in this fact-check are reputable news organizations known for their journalistic standards. USA TODAY is a widely recognized national news outlet, while Fox News and KXAN also have established credibility in reporting significant local and national news stories. The details provided in these reports, including the specific charges and the timeline of events, are corroborated by official statements from the DuPage County State's Attorney's office, which adds an additional layer of reliability to the claims.
However, it is important to note that while the allegations are serious, Formella has not yet been convicted, and she maintains her innocence by pleading not guilty to the charges. The legal process is ongoing, and further developments may arise as the case progresses.
Conclusion
The claim that a former teacher faces 52 new charges for student sexual abuse is True. The evidence presented from multiple credible sources confirms the indictment and details the nature of the charges against Christina Formella, as well as the timeline of the alleged abuse. While the legal proceedings are still unfolding, the initial reports and official statements substantiate the claim.
Sources
- Ex-teacher indicted on 52 more charges in sexual assault case - USA TODAY
- Former teacher charged with 52 new counts of student sexual abuse - KXAN
- Former Downers Grove teacher indicted on dozens of new sexual abuse charges - Fox 32 Chicago
- Illinois teacher indicted on 52 new charges for alleged student sexual abuse - Fox News
