A married Illinois special education teacher, who claimed she’s been railroaded for being “too good-looking,” now claims she’s a victim of misogyny, according to a family representative.
As CrimeOnline previously reported, Christina Formella, 30, is facing 55 charges in connection with the alleged sexual abuse of a teen student at Downers Grove South High School.
Prosecutors said she engaged in sexual relations with the student over 50 times, with at least 45 incidents occurring at the school, where she worked as a special education teacher.
In an interview with The New York Post, Formella’s family representative said that following her arrest, Formella became a victim of “sexual scrutiny” and persecution.
“It’s a spectacle — a public ritual that punishes women not for what they’ve done, but for how they’re perceived,” the rep said in a statement Thursday.
“When men face accusations, we discuss evidence and procedure. When women face accusations, we attack their character, their choices, and their worth as human beings. This isn’t justice — it’s gender-based persecution disguised as accountability.”
The rep also reiterated what Formella told police during questioning, when she claimed to be a target because she’s “too good-looking.”
“Instead of discussing facts or law, public discourse fixates on Christina’s appearance, her private life, even her lipstick — as if those details bear on guilt or innocence,” the statement said.
“Christina has been splintered into internet caricatures — ‘predator,’ ‘unfaithful wife,’ ‘hypocrite.’”
The rep added that Formella has also become a victim of “real-world stalking,” with people allegedly harassing her at church.
“Christina’s case isn’t being ‘covered’ — she’s being hunted,” the statement continued. “Reckless speculation, misinformation, and theatrical coverage do nothing to serve justice and set hard-won respect for women back decades.”
Meanwhile, Formella remains free on bond while awaiting trial. DuPage County Judge Mia McPherson, however, imposed strict conditions on her release.
One condition includes GPS monitoring, which prevents Formella from coming within 5,000 feet of the alleged victim’s school, residence, or place of employment.
During a hearing earlier this week, Formella’s defense attorney, Todd Pugh, requested the distance to be reduced to 2,500 feet, arguing that Formella’s home falls within the exclusionary zone.
The Post reports that since June, Formella has been living at her parents’ “$560,000 home on a golf course,” which is reportedly within a mile of where the teen works.
McPherson subsequently denied the defense’s request and said she’s keeping the teen’s protection in mind.
Formella broke down in tears during her arrest on March 16, after hearing the charges against her, according to bodycam footage. Police arrested her outside her home as she exited a vehicle reportedly belonging to her husband, who was in the passenger seat during the arrest.
Formella’s charges were upgraded last month to an additional 20 counts of Criminal Sexual Assault, 20 counts of Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse, six counts of Indecent Solicitation of a Child, and six counts of Grooming, bringing her total number of charges to 55.
Meanwhile, someone at the court Wednesday told the Post that Formella’s husband, Michael, accompanied her to the hearing and appeared to be supportive.
“Michael was holding her hand the entire time. They were smiling at each other, literally smiling at each other the entire time until she got up,” the tipster said, “They looked really confident,”
Formella has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
While out on bond, she is to refrain from having any contact with anyone under the age of 18, including the victim.
Formella, who was on administrative leave from the school, has since resigned and surrendered her teaching license.
She’s due back in court on August 4.
[Feature Photo via DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office]
