Posted on Oct 31, 2025

The Harrowing Details of the Sexual Abuse

The child was just two years old when Thaddaeus Davidson, a teacher at Lionheart, began sexually abusing her. The sexual abuse included inappropriate touching, kissing children on the lips, and having toddlers sit on his lap inappropriately.

One incident in March involved parents reporting that Davidson had tickled two young girls in their private areas. Lionheart again failed to report the complaint, allowing Davidson to continue working with children, including the toddler in this case. KXAN’s coverage highlights how multiple employees witnessed inappropriate behavior yet did not take action, demonstrating systemic failures in supervision and reporting.

Another particularly alarming incident included an email sent by a concerned teacher to the center’s director, describing Davidson “touching little girls in class inappropriately, tickling them underneath their dresses” and “rubbing up their thighs” during classroom activities. The email also referenced Davidson taking pictures of children in the bathroom. Despite these serious warnings, Lionheart retained Davidson on staff and did not notify state or local authorities.

Past Violations and Daycare Negligence

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) confirmed multiple violations at Lionheart, including failure to report suspected abuse and failure to supervise children properly. These findings reinforce the seriousness of the case and the urgent need for daycare centers to take all warning signs seriously. KXAN’s reporting emphasizes that when daycare staff fail to act, children’s safety is put in immediate danger.

The Button Law Firm Holds Lionheart Accountable

“This lawsuit is about accountability and prevention,” says daycare and child injury lawyer Russell Button. As KXAN highlights, The Button Law Firm is not only seeking justice for the child involved but also sending a clear message to all daycare centers: failing to act after a child is sexually abused is unacceptable. Texas daycare laws exist to protect children, and when mandatory reporting is ignored, every child in the facility is placed at risk.

Through this lawsuit, The Button Law Firm is holding Lionheart accountable for its failures, ensuring that daycare centers are reminded of their legal and ethical obligations. The firm is also working to increase awareness among parents and caregivers about the warning signs of abuse and the importance of advocating for children’s safety.

Moving Forward

The KXAN feature highlights the critical need for accountability in daycare centers. Children’s safety cannot be compromised, and any signs of abuse must be addressed immediately.

If you have concerns about your child’s daycare or suspect that your child may have been sexually abused at daycare, reach out to our team. The Button Law Firm is ready to help—call us at 214-699-4409, email us at intake@buttonlawfirm.com, or visit our contact page to speak with an experienced attorney who will ensure your child’s rights are fully protected.

Russell Button
Connect with me
Dallas, Houston, and Midland Texas trial and personal injury lawyer dedicated to securing justice for clients.