Two people are now in custody after a child sex crimes investigation that began with a December call to Midlothian police and quickly grew into a wider search involving multiple Texas agencies, authorities said Wednesday.
According to Midlothian police, 30-year-old Madison Jones was arrested last Wednesday on charges that include aggravated sexual assault of a child. Detectives later identified a second suspect, 37-year-old Zackery Dondlinger, who was located in Loving County and taken into custody. Police said Dondlinger is being held in Winkler County awaiting arraignment and that the criminal investigation is still active.
In a media release posted by the department, Midlothian patrol officers said they were dispatched on December 17 after a report of a potential sexual assault involving a child, and detectives arrested Jones that same day. Investigators later developed evidence that identified Dondlinger, and the release states that he was arrested on Tuesday. The department listed Detective Dawson Frazer as the contact for tips at 469-672-0056. According to the Midlothian Police Department, the criminal investigation remains ongoing.
What The Charges Mean Under Texas Law
Sexual performance by a child, which is the charge listed against Dondlinger, is codified in Texas Penal Code §43.25 and criminalizes employing, producing, or promoting a sexual performance by someone under 18, with enhanced penalties when victims are under certain ages. Aggravated sexual assault of a child, the charge noted against Jones, is prosecuted under Texas Penal Code §22.021 and is treated as a first-degree felony with substantially higher potential sentences. See Texas Penal Code §43.25 and Texas Penal Code §22.021 for statutory language and penalties.
Multi-Agency Search Led To The Arrest
In its release, the department thanked several partner agencies for helping track down Dondlinger. Midlothian police said the Ellis County Children’s Advocacy Center, the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Texas Office of the Attorney General – Fugitive Apprehension Unit, and the Loving County Sheriff’s Office all assisted in locating and apprehending the suspect. The Attorney General’s Fugitive Apprehension Unit frequently assists local agencies in locating fugitives and sex offense suspects, the office says, and Midlothian credited that kind of coordination in its statement. Police said Dondlinger was taken to Winkler County for booking and is being held there pending court processing, and that local jail contact information is available from the Winkler County detention office.
What Happens Next
Both arrests are allegations at this stage, and the case remains under active investigation. Prosecutors will decide whether to file formal indictments or additional charges. Any arraignments and bond hearings will take place in the appropriate county courts. Midlothian police asked anyone with information to contact Detective Frazer at the number provided in the release, and noted that the Ellis County Children’s Advocacy Center can offer advocacy and resources for victims or families seeking support.
This story will be updated as official filings, court records, and further law enforcement information become available.
