Authorities have revealed text messages that were allegedly sent by a special education teacher to the 15-year-old student she’s accused of sexually assaulting.
Christina Formella was arrested by police in Downers Grove, Ill., earlier this week after the boy’s mother discovered the alleged text messages while looking through her son’s phone and then alerted local authorities, authorities have said, PEOPLE previously reported.
Formella, 30, has been charged with two counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse and one count of criminal sexual assault against a minor, DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Downers Grove Police Chief Michael DeVries said in a statement.
Court documents filed earlier this week and obtained by PEOPLE show several explicit text messages the married special education teacher and soccer coach allegedly sent to the underage student. Authorities allege the texts discuss the details of the sexual abuse.
“I love you sooooo much baby… Even though this morning was short, it was perfect,” Formella allegedly texted the 15-year-old boy.
In another alleged text, Formella wrote: “I love having sex with you.”
Formella allegedly told police the sexual abuse started “a year and a half ago,” according to the documents reviewed by PEOPLE this week.
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The teacher, who was later released on bond, also allegedly wrote about the 15-year-old boy in the “Notes” app on her phone.
Formella, who taught in the high school’s special services department since the 2020-21 school year, also coached boys’ and girls’ soccer.
“The allegations against Ms. Formella are extremely disturbing,” Berlin, the state’s attorney, said. “The type of abuse and behavior alleged in this case will not be tolerated.”
Downers Grove South High School Principal Arwen Lyp told parents in a letter that the school is “devastated” and that its “community is reeling,” according to WGN-TV, which first published the text messages Formella allegedly sent the boy.
“An adult has been charged with the most serious of violations, and trust has been broken,” the principal reportedly wrote to the school’s parents.
Formella’s next court appearance is on April 14.
If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual abuse, text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor.
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, please contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or go to rainn.org.
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