How does a husband stand by his wife when she’s accused of such a shocking crime?
Michael Formella, the husband of former Illinois teacher Christina Formella, faced that question head-on as allegations surfaced that his wife sexually abused a 15-year-old student, with some incidents allegedly occurring in their own home. The case, unfolding in Downers Grove, Illinois, has gripped the community with its disturbing details and raised questions about loyalty, awareness, and justice.
Christina Formella, 30, a former special education teacher and soccer coach at Downers Grove South High School, was arrested on March 16, 2025, after the victim’s mother discovered explicit text messages on her son’s phone. The allegations paint a troubling picture: Formella is accused of sexually abusing the teen over 50 times, starting when he was just 14 years old in January 2023. The abuse reportedly took place in a classroom before school hours and, more shockingly, multiple times at the home she shared with Michael Formella. Initially charged with three felony counts, including aggravated criminal sexual abuse and criminal sexual assault, Christina faced a staggering 52 additional charges on June 17, 2025, bringing the total to 55 counts. These include 20 counts each of criminal sexual assault and aggravated criminal sexual abuse, plus charges of indecent solicitation and grooming.
Michael Formella, who married Christina in August 2024, has stood by her side throughout the legal proceedings. In court, the couple was seen holding hands and even smiling, a display that has sparked curiosity and debate. During her arrest, Michael was in the car with her, and he has attended every court appearance since, including a recent hearing on July 2, 2025, where Christina’s request to reduce a 5,000-foot buffer zone from the victim was denied. The judge maintained strict conditions, including an ankle monitor and a ban on contact with minors, as Christina awaits her next court date on August 4, 2025.
The case took a complex turn when Christina claimed Michael knew about the situation, calling the teen her “stalker” during a police interview. However, Michael told investigators he was unaware of any inappropriate relationship, knowing the boy only as a soccer player. This contradiction has fueled speculation about what Michael knew and when, especially given allegations that Christina told the victim she planned to leave her husband and inherit millions while vacationing with him in Italy. Court documents also reveal Christina’s claim that the teen sent explicit messages from her phone to himself for blackmail, a defense she maintains while pleading not guilty to all charges.
The allegations began when the victim, injured while playing soccer, started receiving tutoring from Formella. What seemed like a mentorship turned into grooming, prosecutors say, with explicit messages and sexual encounters spanning nearly two years until September 2024. The victim’s disclosures in April 2025 at a children’s advocacy center led to the expanded charges, highlighting the extent of the alleged abuse. If convicted, Christina could face up to 60 years in prison, a reality that looms over the couple’s public displays of unity.
The case has stirred strong emotions in Downers Grove and beyond, with the community grappling with the betrayal of trust by a teacher and coach. Christina, now fired from her position, remains on pretrial release, living with her parents due to the buffer zone restrictions. Meanwhile, Michael’s steadfast support raises questions about love, denial, or something more complicated. As the legal process continues, the full truth of what happened in their home remains under scrutiny.
