Arrest Report (February 3, 2026)

February 3, 2026

LOVING COUNTY, TX - The Loving County Sheriff's Office assisted multiple law enforcement agencies from across the state of Texas in apprehending a suspect connected to an ongoing child exploitation investigation originating in Ellis County.

Zackery Dondlinger, 37, was taken into custody without incident at an oil rig location in Loving County. He was transported to the Winkler County Jail, where his bond was set at $200,000. Dondlinger has since been extradited to Ellis County.

Dondlinger was charged with Sexual Performance of a Child (Texas Penal Code 43.25), a first-degree felony.

"This successful apprehension demonstrates the power of multi-agency collaboration in protecting our most vulnerable citizens," said David Landersman, Loving County Sheriff. "We are committed to working with our law enforcement partners across Texas to ensure those who exploit children are brought to justice."

Agencies involved in the arrest of Dondlinger:

• Loving County Sheriff's Office
• Midlothian Police Department
• Texas Department of Public Safety- Criminal Investigation Division
• Texas Department of Public Safety - Highway Patrol Pecos Area

The investigation originated in Ellis County and remains ongoing with the Midlothian Police Department.

All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.