Authorities in Texas have charged a substitute teacher and her boyfriend with numerous felony offenses following an investigation into alleged abuse involving a young child. The case has shocked residents in several North Texas communities and drawn attention to the circumstances that led to the arrests.
Madison Paige Jones, 30, and Zackery Dondlinger, 37, are facing a combined total of 39 charges related to alleged crimes against a 5-year-old girl, according to reporting highlighted by the New York Post and local law enforcement statements. The charges stem from incidents investigators say occurred over roughly two weeks in December 2025.
Police in Midlothian began looking into the situation on Dec. 17 after receiving a call from a woman who identified herself as a friend of Jones. According to court records cited by local outlets, the caller told authorities she was worried about the behavior she had observed involving Dondlinger and the child in Jones’ home.
Officers launched an investigation soon afterward.
During questioning, Jones allegedly admitted to taking part in abusive acts involving the child and told investigators she did so at the direction of her boyfriend. Authorities say she claimed Dondlinger had expressed disturbing interests involving the child and had pressured her to carry out the acts.
Investigators also allege that digital evidence may play a role in the case. Court records referenced in media reports indicate that Jones told police she recorded some of the incidents and sent the material to Dondlinger through Snapchat.
At the time of the alleged crimes, Jones was working as a substitute teacher in the Midlothian Independent School District. District officials later confirmed she is no longer employed and released information regarding the last dates she worked in local schools.
Jones was arrested two days after police first received the report. Dondlinger was taken into custody several days later, on Dec. 23, while working on an oil rig roughly an hour west of Odessa, Texas.
Both suspects now face multiple serious felony charges. Authorities say the charges include counts related to aggravated assault of a child and other offenses tied to exploitation and indecency involving a minor.
As part of the ongoing investigation, police seized several electronic devices belonging to the suspects, including multiple smartphones, which investigators believe could contain evidence.
The suspects are currently being held on bonds totaling nearly $9 million combined.
Authorities have not released identifying details about the child involved. The case remains under investigation as prosecutors prepare to move forward with the charges in court.
