MIDLOTHIAN, Texas — A former substitute teacher and her boyfriend are facing dozens of serious child sex charges after investigators say a disturbing case involving a young child living in the home led to a major police investigation.
Authorities say Madison Paige Jones, a former substitute teacher in the Midlothian Independent School District, and her boyfriend Zackery Dondlinger, 37, now face a combined 38 criminal charges connected to the case.
Their bond amounts have also increased significantly, with Dondlinger’s bond set at $5 million and Jones’ bond set at $3.8 million.
Investigation Began After Concerned Friend Contacted Police
According to court documents, the investigation began on Dec. 17, when Midlothian police responded to a call from a woman who said she was a friend of Jones.
The caller reportedly told officers she was concerned about Dondlinger’s behavior toward a 5-year-old child who lived in Jones’ home.
At the time, Jones and Dondlinger were reportedly in a relationship and living together.
The report prompted authorities to launch an investigation into possible child abuse and sexual assault allegations.
Suspects Arrested Days Apart
Jones was first arrested on Dec. 19, just two days after police began investigating the allegations.
Detectives later identified Dondlinger as a second suspect in the case.
He was arrested on Dec. 23 and initially charged with sexual performance by a child, according to the Midlothian Police Department.
As the investigation continued, authorities filed numerous additional charges against both suspects.
Jones Faces Multiple Child Abuse Charges
According to court records, Jones is facing a total of 19 charges, including:
- 13 counts of aggravated sexual assault of a child
- Two counts of indecency with a child involving sexual contact
- Three counts of indecency with a child involving exposure
- One count of possession of child pornography
Investigators say the charges stem from allegations involving a 5-year-old child living in her home.
Boyfriend Facing Even More Charges
Dondlinger is facing 19 charges as well, including:
- 13 counts of aggravated sexual assault of a child
- Two counts of indecency with a child involving sexual contact
- Three counts of indecency with a child involving exposure
- One count of sexual performance by a child under 14
- One additional felony warrant
Authorities say the charges reflect serious allegations of abuse involving the child.
Investigators Seized Phones and Electronic Devices
During the investigation, detectives obtained a search warrant to seize electronic devices belonging to both suspects.
Authorities confiscated Jones’ iPhone and iPad, as well as two iPhones belonging to Dondlinger.
According to affidavits referenced in court documents, investigators found messages and evidence on the devices that supported parts of the allegations.
Documents say Jones told investigators she recorded videos and sent them to Dondlinger through Snapchat.
Police say the devices are now part of the ongoing investigation.
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Bonds Increased After Additional Charges Filed
When the suspects were first arrested in December, their bond amounts were significantly lower. Jones’ bond was originally $90,000, while Dondlinger’s was $250,000.
However, after additional charges were filed earlier this month, both bond amounts increased dramatically.
Dondlinger’s bond is now $5 million, while Jones’ bond stands at $3.8 million.
Case Remains Under Investigation
Authorities say the investigation is ongoing as detectives continue reviewing evidence connected to the case.
Officials have not released further details about the next court proceedings.
The Midlothian Police Department has also not publicly confirmed additional information about the timeline of the alleged offenses.
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