Authorities in Texas have charged a substitute teacher and her boyfriend with dozens of criminal counts in connection with an investigation involving alleged abuse of a 5-year-old child. According to law enforcement officials, Madison Paige Jones, 30, and Zackery Dondlinger, 37, are facing a combined total of 39 charges related to the case. The allegations have shocked communities in northern Texas and prompted a broader investigation by local police.

The investigation began on December 17, 2025, when police in Midlothian, Texas received a report concerning possible abuse involving a young child. According to court records, the call was made by a woman who identified herself as a friend of Jones. She reportedly told authorities that she had become concerned about Dondlinger’s behavior toward a 5-year-old girl who had been staying at Jones’ residence. Based on the information provided, officers began an investigation into the situation.

Authorities say the alleged incidents occurred over a period of several days between December 5 and December 17, 2025. During the investigation, detectives interviewed Madison Paige Jones and later arrested her two days after the initial report was made. According to court documents, Jones allegedly admitted during questioning that she had engaged in abusive behavior toward the child after being encouraged to do so by Dondlinger. Investigators say she also told authorities that Dondlinger had expressed disturbing fantasies involving the child.

Police records further allege that Jones recorded videos of the abuse and sent them to Dondlinger through the messaging platform Snapchat. Investigators say digital evidence became an important part of the case as authorities began examining electronic devices connected to the suspects. Officers later seized several devices during the investigation, including Jones’ iPhone and iPad as well as two iPhones belonging to Dondlinger.

At the time of the alleged incidents, Jones was working as a substitute teacher for the Midlothian Independent School District. School officials later confirmed that she was no longer employed by the district and provided the dates when she had last worked in that capacity. The confirmation came shortly after her arrest as authorities continued to investigate the allegations.

Dondlinger was arrested several days later on December 23 while working on an oil rig located west of Odessa, Texas. According to investigators, law enforcement officers tracked him down and took him into custody as the case expanded. He now faces multiple felony charges including aggravated sexual assault of a child, indecency with a child, and charges related to the alleged production and possession of illegal material involving minors.

Both suspects are currently being held on bonds totaling nearly $9 million while the legal process moves forward. Prosecutors say the large bond amounts reflect the severity of the allegations and the number of charges involved in the case. As the investigation continues, authorities are reviewing digital evidence and witness statements as they prepare for the next phase of the court proceedings. The case has deeply disturbed many residents in the region and underscores the seriousness of crimes involving the exploitation of children.