Texas Grand Jury Indicts Substitute Teacher and Boyfriend on Dozens of Child Sex Crime Charges

Madison Paige Jones and Zackery Dondlinger face 39 counts for child abuse in Texas. Read the editorial report on the 2026 indictment and bond increase.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 16, 2026, 5:23 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from PEOPLE

A Comprehensive Indictment and the Escalation of Legal Consequences

A grand jury in Ellis County has moved forward with 39 total counts against Madison Paige Jones, 30, and Zackery Dondlinger, 37, following an investigation into the sustained abuse of a minor. The indictments, handed down in early March, include charges of aggravated sexual assault of a child and possession with intent to promote child pornography. This judicial milestone indicates that the state has presented sufficient evidence to bypass preliminary hearings and proceed directly toward a criminal trial.

The Role of Digital Evidence and Alleged Criminal Coordination

The investigation into the pair revealed a disturbing level of coordination involving digital platforms and real time communication. According to court documents, Jones, a former substitute teacher, allegedly confessed to performing sexual acts on the five year old victim at the direction of Dondlinger. Affidavits suggest that Jones utilized Snapchat to send video evidence of the abuse to Dondlinger to satisfy his sexual fantasies, a claim supported by text messages recovered by law enforcement during the initial phase of the inquiry.

Employment History and the Response from Midlothian Independent School District

Jones’ prior employment as a substitute teacher for Midlothian ISD has drawn significant public attention, though school officials have moved to distance the institution from the allegations. A district spokesperson confirmed that while Jones was on the substitute roster, she had only fulfilled four work days within the past year and is no longer employed by the district. Official statements emphasize that the alleged crimes did not occur on school grounds and did not involve any students currently enrolled in the district.