Special Education Teacher Breaks Down While Being Arrested for Allegedly Sexually Assaulting Special Needs Student

An Illinois special education teacher accused of molesting a teen student broke down in tears after hearing the charges against her, according to bodycam footage of her arrest.

Christina Formella, 30, reportedly cried when officers placed her in the back of a police car on March 16, according to Downers Grove police body cam.

“Oh my God. What the f–k?” Formella said, the video footage showed. “I feel like I’m gonna throw up.”

On March 17, DuPage County prosecutors announced that they were charging Formella with sexually abusing a minor.

Police arrested her outside of her home as she exited a vehicle that police reportedly said belonged to her husband, who was in the passenger’s side of the car during the arrest.

Court records obtained by People Magazine showed explicit text messages Formella allegedly sent to the underage student. Authorities said the texts detailed the sexual abuse and were uncovered by the victim’s parent.

“The victim’s mother discovered the alleged assault when looking through her son’s text message thread on his cell phone,” the statement said.

Police said the sexual assault started during a 2023 tutoring session inside a classroom with the defendant and the victim. The student ultimately ended the relationship, according to court documents.

“I love you sooooo much baby… Even though this morning was short, it was perfect,” Formella said in one of the test messages, according to The New York Post.

Formella’s next court date has been scheduled for April.

“The allegations against Ms. Formella are extremely disturbing,” the state’s attorney said. “The type of abuse and behavior alleged in this case will not be tolerated.”

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[Feature Photo via DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office]