India, June 18 -- Former Downers Grove South High School teacher Christina Formella faces mounting allegations of a disturbing sexual relationship with a teenage student, but her husband, Michael Formella, stands by her.

The 30-year-old ex-teacher, who allegedly groomed and sexually abused a student more than 50 times, appeared in DuPage County Circuit Court on Tuesday to face 52 additional charges. Her total now stands at 55 counts, including aggravated criminal sexual abuse, aggravated sexual assault, and grooming.

"She knew what she was doing was wrong," prosecutor Jaclyn McAndrew said, according to the Chicago Tribune, adding that she "is unbelievably conniving and unbelievably controlling."

Yet, in the face of these chilling alleg...