A DuPage County judge has denied a former Downers Grove teacher’s request to ease pretrial release restrictions. Christina Formella, facing numerous charges of sexual abuse involving a student, sought to reduce the 5,000-foot buffer zone she must maintain from the alleged victim. The judge upheld the current conditions, prioritizing the protection of the teenage student.
Judge Upholds Victim Protection
DuPage County Judge Mia McPherson on Wednesday denied Christina Formella’s request to reduce the GPS monitoring buffer zone from 5,000 feet to 2,500 feet. This condition prevents Formella from coming within a specified distance of the alleged victim’s home, school, or workplace. The judge emphasized the importance of ensuring the victim’s protection in her decision.
Allegations and Charges
Christina Formella, 30, a former special education teacher and coach at Downers Grove South High School, faces a staggering 55 counts, including:
- Criminal sexual assault
- Aggravated criminal sexual abuse
- Indecent solicitation of a child
- Grooming
Prosecutors allege that Formella engaged in sexual relations with the student over 50 times, with at least 45 instances occurring at the high school. The alleged abuse reportedly spanned nearly two years, beginning when the student was 14 years old. Prosecutors also claim Formella sent the boy thousands of grooming-related text messages.
Pretrial Release Conditions
Despite the prosecution’s request for detention, Judge McPherson granted Formella pretrial release with several stringent conditions aimed at protecting the alleged victim and preventing further incidents. These conditions include:
- GPS Monitoring: A 5,000-foot exclusionary zone around the victim’s home, school, and workplace.
- No Contact Order: Prohibition from having any contact with individuals under the age of 18.
- Electronic Device Monitoring: Surveillance of her cellphone, tablet, and laptop.
Formella’s attorney, Todd Pugh, argued for a reduced buffer zone, noting that Formella’s current residence with her parents falls within the exclusionary zone, and the alleged victim’s workplace is within a mile of her home. However, the judge maintained the existing conditions.
Investigation and Resignation
Formella’s arrest in March by the Downers Grove Police Department followed the discovery of inappropriate text messages on the student’s phone by his mother. The DuPage County Children’s Advocacy Center interviewed the boy, where he disclosed the alleged sexual abuse. Formella has since resigned from her position at the high school and voluntarily surrendered her teaching license. She has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Sources
- Ex-Downers Grove teacher must keep 5,000 feet away from student, Chicago Tribune.