Former Texas Substitute Teacher and Boyfriend Arrested in Child Sexual Abuse Case
In a disturbing development that has shocked the Midlothian community, 30-year-old Madison Paige Jones, a former substitute teacher, and her boyfriend, 37-year-old Zackery Dondlinger, have been arrested on multiple charges related to child sexual abuse and child pornography. Their case highlights the critical importance of rigorous background checks and reporting systems within educational institutions, while serving as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of children and the need for vigilant protection against predatory behavior in all settings.
The arrests came after investigations led authorities to Jones, who was taken into custody in Midlothian on December 19th. She faces serious charges including aggravated sexual assault of a child, two counts of indecency with a child involving sexual contact, and possession of child pornography. Following her arrest, Jones was booked into the Ellis County Jail with a bond set at $90,000. While the details of the alleged crimes have not been fully disclosed by authorities, the severity of the charges indicates deeply troubling behavior. The Midlothian Independent School District, where Jones had worked as a substitute teacher on four occasions over the past year, quickly moved to distance itself from her, emphasizing that the alleged criminal activities did not occur on school grounds or involve students from the district.
The investigation expanded when authorities arrested Jones’s boyfriend, Zackery Dondlinger, on December 23rd in Loving County. Dondlinger has been charged with sexual performance by a child and is currently being held at the Winkler County Detention Center awaiting arraignment. Police have confirmed that Jones and Dondlinger were in a dating relationship at the time of their arrests, suggesting a disturbing pattern of shared criminal behavior. The arrests of both individuals within days of each other points to a coordinated effort by law enforcement to address what appears to be a case involving multiple offenses against at least one child victim, though the exact nature and extent of their alleged crimes remain under investigation.
The Midlothian Independent School District has taken swift action in response to the arrests, reassuring parents and the community that Jones is no longer employed by the district. In a statement to CBS News, district officials explained that their system for monitoring employee criminal history “functioned as intended,” allowing them to be promptly notified of the situation by the Department of Public Safety. The district also confirmed that it had followed all required reporting procedures with the Texas Education Agency, demonstrating their commitment to maintaining a safe educational environment. Jones had substituted at Heritage High School for one day on November 19 and at Baxter Elementary for three days in late October and early November, creating a timeline that investigators are likely examining as they build their case.
This troubling case has mobilized multiple law enforcement agencies in a coordinated response. The Midlothian Police Department has acknowledged the assistance of the Ellis County Children’s Advocacy Center, the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Texas Office of the Attorney General’s Fugitive Apprehension Unit, and the Loving County Sheriff’s Office in locating and apprehending Dondlinger. Such multi-agency collaboration reflects the seriousness with which authorities are treating these allegations and their commitment to thoroughly investigating crimes against children. The involvement of specialized units like the Children’s Advocacy Center suggests a victim-centered approach to the investigation, prioritizing the well-being and protection of any children affected by the alleged crimes.
As the investigation continues, authorities are encouraging anyone with additional information to come forward. The Midlothian Police Department has provided contact details for Detective Dawson Frazer and the department’s general line, creating channels through which community members can share potentially relevant information. This case serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of community vigilance and prompt reporting of suspicious behavior involving children. While the legal process will determine the guilt or innocence of Jones and Dondlinger, their arrests underscore the critical need for robust safeguards in educational settings and highlight the vulnerability of children to potential predators. The Midlothian community now faces the difficult process of healing and reinforcing protections for its youngest members, even as the full details of this troubling case continue to emerge through ongoing investigation.
