MIDLOTHIAN, Texas - A multi-agency investigation into the sexual assault of a child has taken a new turn as Midlothian Independent School District (MISD) confirmed that one of the suspects was recently employed as a substitute teacher.
The investigation, led by the Midlothian Police Department, resulted in the arrests of 30-year-old Madison Paige Jones and her boyfriend, 37-year-old Zackery Dondlinger.
School District Response and Employment History
Following the arrest of Madison Jones on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, Midlothian ISD issued a statement to parents and staff on Friday, December 19, after being alerted to the situation through the Department of Public Safety (DPS) Crime Records Division.
According to the district, Jones had worked as a substitute teacher four times over the past twelve months. Her most recent assignment was at Heritage High School on November 19, 2025. Records also indicate she previously subbed at Baxter Elementary School.
In a message to the community, MISD officials stated: "Safety and security is always a top priority in Midlothian ISD... At this time, there is no indication that the charges are related to the individual's role as a substitute teacher or that anything occurred at an MISD campus or activity. We are sharing this information out of an abundance of caution because of the seriousness of the charges."
The district confirmed that Jones is no longer employed by MISD and that all required reporting procedures with the Texas Education Agency (TEA) have been followed. Officials noted that the district's monitoring process functioned as intended, allowing them to be notified of the arrest quickly by the DPS.
Details of the Investigation and Second Arrest
The case began mid-month when patrol officers received a report regarding a potential sexual assault involving a child. Madison Jones was the first to be taken into custody, facing a first-degree felony charge of Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child.
As the Midlothian Criminal Investigation Division continued their work, they identified Jones's boyfriend, Zackery Dondlinger of Happy, Texas, as a second suspect. After a multi-county search involving the Texas Office of the Attorney General’s Fugitive Apprehension Unit and the Texas Department of Public Safety, Dondlinger was located and arrested in Loving County on December 23.
Dondlinger has been charged with Sexual Performance by a Child, also a first-degree felony. He is currently held at the Winkler County Detention Center.
Ongoing Investigation
While the school district currently sees no link between the crimes and Jones's time on campus, the Midlothian Police Department and the Ellis County Children’s Advocacy Center are continuing their thorough review of the case.
According to Ellis County records, Jones is being held at the Wayne McCollum Detention Center and charghed with Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child (1st degree felony), two counts of Indecency with a Child Sexual Contact (2nd degree felonies) and Possession of Child Pornography Over 500 photos/videos (1st degree felony). Her bond has been set at $90,000.
Authorities are urging anyone with information related to this investigation to contact Detective Dawson Frazer at 469-672-0056.
