Midlothian, TX - A Texas substitute teacher is in custody on a series of felony counts, including aggravated sexual assault of a child, following a police investigation launched in Midlothian last month. Authorities say a second suspect, identified as the teacher’s boyfriend, has also been arrested and charged in connection with the case.
Arrest Of Substitute Teacher Madison Jones
Midlothian Police officers arrested Madison Jones, 30, on December 19 after patrol units were dispatched two days earlier to investigate a report of a possible sexual assault involving a child, according to a department media release. Jones, a former substitute teacher for Midlothian Independent School District, was taken into custody in Ellis County.
Jail records from the Ellis County Sheriff’s Office indicate Jones is being held on a first-degree felony charge of aggravated sexual assault of a child, along with two second-degree felony counts of indecency with a child by sexual contact and a first-degree felony count of possession of child pornography involving more than 500 visual depictions. She is being held on a $90,000 bond.
Second Suspect Identified And Arrested
Detectives with the Midlothian Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division later identified a second suspect as 37-year-old Zackery Dondlinger of Happy, Texas. Investigators allege he is connected to the same child sexual assault case that led to Jones’ arrest.
Dondlinger was taken into custody on December 23 and charged with sexual performance by a child and was being held at the Winkler County Detention Center at the time of his arrest, authorities said. Midlothian Police Department Assistant Chief Scott Brown stated that Jones and Dondlinger were in a dating relationship.
Police Statement And Ongoing Investigation
In a public statement, the Midlothian Police Department expressed gratitude to the Ellis County Children’s Advocacy Center for its assistance in the case, as well as to the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Texas Office of the Attorney General’s Fugitive Apprehension Unit, and the Loving County Sheriff’s Office for their roles in locating and apprehending Dondlinger. The department stated that the investigation remains active and ongoing.
Authorities have not released additional details about the child victim or the specific allegations, citing the sensitive nature of the case and the continuing investigation. No trial dates have been announced, and both defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Midlothian ISD Responds
Midlothian ISD confirmed that Jones is no longer employed by the district and said she had worked as a substitute teacher on four occasions in the past 12 months. According to the district, she subbed one day at Heritage High School on November 19 and three days at Baxter Elementary School on October 28–29 and November 3.
District officials said they currently have no information indicating the allegations are linked to Jones’ work as a substitute or that any incidents occurred on a Midlothian ISD campus or during any school-related activity. In its statement, the district said its process for monitoring employee criminal history “functioned as intended” and that it was notified promptly by the Texas Department of Public Safety, adding that Jones is no longer employed and that required reporting procedures with the Texas Education Agency were followed.
Legal Options After Substitute Teacher Sexual Abuse: Texas Attorney Explains What Families Can Do
When a student is sexually abused by a teacher, families often feel overwhelmed, angry, and unsure of what steps to take next. In this interview, experienced Texas sexual abuse lawyer Anjali Nigam explains the civil and criminal avenues available to survivors and their parents, including potential claims against both the offender and any institution that may have failed to protect the child. The discussion addresses accountability, possible compensation, and how trauma-informed legal strategies can help families move forward while protecting the survivor’s privacy and emotional well-being.
Laurence Banville, Esq.: When a child is sexually abused by a teacher, what are the main legal paths families can consider in Texas?”
Anjali Nigam, Esq.: Families can pursue a criminal case through law enforcement, but they may also have a separate civil claim for damages against the individual abuser and, in some cases, against the school or district if there is evidence of negligence in hiring, supervision, or reporting.”
Banville: Many parents ask whether the school district can be held responsible. What factors do you look at when evaluating that possibility?
Nigam: The focus is on what the school knew or reasonably should have known and how it responded. If warning signs were ignored, complaints were brushed aside, or background checks and reporting procedures were mishandled, that can give rise to significant civil liability under Texas law.
Banville: What kinds of compensation might be available to survivors through a civil lawsuit?
Nigam: Civil cases can seek compensation for therapy and medical costs, long-term mental health treatment, loss of quality of life, and, in severe cases, punitive damages intended to punish particularly egregious conduct and encourage better safety practices.
Banville: Some families worry about the emotional burden of coming forward. How do you approach that concern in your practice?
Nigam: The process is tailored to minimize retraumatization. We work with trauma-informed professionals, request protective orders where appropriate, and carefully prepare survivors and families so they understand each step, including options for resolving the case without a public trial when that aligns with the client’s goals.
Banville: Is there a time limit for filing these civil cases in Texas?
Nigam: Yes, Texas has statutes of limitations that set deadlines for bringing civil claims, though there are special rules and extensions for child sexual abuse cases. Because those deadlines can be complex and fact-specific, it is important for families to speak with an attorney as soon as they are ready to explore their options.
Free Legal Help For Families Now
Victims and their families do not have to navigate these painful circumstances alone. Our legal team is available to review what happened, explain potential options under Texas law, and outline next steps tailored to your situation. To learn more about your rights and possible claims against an abuser or responsible institution, contact us today for a free, confidential consultation.
