A Illinois special education teacher accused of sexually assaulting her 15-year-old student, claims she was framed in a blackmail scheme by the teen, and says she was targeted for being “good looking.”

Christina Formella, 30, refuted claims of any assault during a tutoring session at Downers Grove South High School in December 2023, after her arrest.

High School teacher accused of molesting 15-year-old student

The Illinois special education teacher accused of molesting her 15-year-old student claims she was set up to be blackmailed by the alleged victim and was targeted because she was “good looking.”
Christina Formella, 30,… pic.twitter.com/PMOaEqeVmL

— #jalalalkali (@jalalalkali_) March 21, 2025

The investigation was triggered by the boy’s mother finding incriminating texts on his phone. The married educator reportedly told police that the student accessed her phone and sent himself the inappropriate messages using her number to extort her.

Formella was charged with two counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse and one count of criminal sexual assault.

Christina Formella has since been placed on paid administrative leave from the school.