Authorities in Texas, United States of America, have arrested a former substitute teacher and her boyfriend on serious allegations involving a minor. The case has sent shockwaves through the local community.
Arrests and Serious Charges
Madison Paige Jones, a 30-year-old former substitute teacher, was taken into custody on December 19 in Midlothian. Her arrest followed a police investigation that began two days earlier after a report of a possible sexual act involving a child. Jones now faces multiple felony charges, which include aggravated assault of a child, two counts of indecency with a child involving sexual contact, and one count of possessing illegal material.
She was booked into the Ellis County Jail, where she is being held on a bond set at $90,000. Police confirmed that a second suspect, identified as Zackery Dondlinger, 37, was arrested on December 23 in Loving County in connection with the same investigation. Dondlinger has been charged with sexual performance by a child and is currently detained at the Winkler County Detention Center, awaiting arraignment. Authorities confirmed that Jones and Dondlinger were in a dating relationship at the time of the alleged offences.
School District's Swift Response
Investigators were quick to note that the alleged crimes did not occur on school property or involve students from the district. Jones had worked as a substitute teacher for the Midlothian Independent School District. District records show her employment was brief, spanning only four days over the past year: one day at Heritage High School in November and three days at Baxter Elementary in late October and early November.
Upon learning of the allegations, the school district moved immediately to sever all ties with her. In a communication to families, Midlothian ISD confirmed her employment had been terminated. The district stated that its criminal-history monitoring process worked as intended, with state authorities providing prompt notification.
Ongoing Investigation and Collaboration
The Midlothian Police Department has not released further specific details about the nature of the accusations, stating the investigation remains active. Multiple law enforcement agencies collaborated to locate and arrest Dondlinger. Officials have indicated that more information may become public as the legal case progresses through the court system.
Both suspects remain in custody as they face these grave charges. The case highlights the severe legal consequences for crimes against children and the protocols educational institutions follow when such allegations arise against staff members.
