WFAA Exclusive Highlights The Button Law Firm’s Lawsuit Against Lionheart
In an exclusive report, WFAA featured a heartbreaking story covered by The Button Law Firm’s lawsuit against Lionheart Children’s Academy in Grapevine, Texas. The lawsuit was filed on behalf of a Southlake mother whose young daughter was sexually abused by her daycare teacher, 36-year-old Thaddaeus Davidson.
The child’s mother, Tiffany Young, told WFAA that she trusted Lionheart to keep her daughter safe. She toured the facility, spoke with staff, and even felt reassured knowing there were cameras in the classrooms. The daycare director personally promised her a loving and secure environment. But that sense of trust was shattered when Tiffany learned what had been happening behind closed doors.
After seeing Davidson’s arrest photo on the news, she asked her daughter a question that no parent should ever have to ask. Her daughter’s response broke her heart. “I talked to my baby, and that’s when my heart broke, and she told me, ‘Mommy, he touched me,’” Tiffany told WFAA.
Lionheart Failed to Act on Repeated Warnings
The Button Law Firm’s lawsuit reveals that Lionheart Children’s Academy ignored repeated warnings about Davidson’s disturbing behavior. Attorney Russell Button told WFAA that another teacher had sent emails to Lionheart’s management reporting that Davidson was touching young girls inappropriately and taking photos of them in the restroom.
Despite those clear warnings, the daycare allowed him to remain in the classroom. Lionheart did not report the allegations to state authorities as required by law.
Under Texas law, every daycare worker is a mandatory reporter. This means that if there is any suspicion of abuse, they must report it to the authorities so it can be investigated. Proof is not required. What matters is protecting the child. In this case, the Lionheart staff knew what was happening and failed to take action.
“Everybody who was involved needs to be held accountable because no child should have to go through this,” Tiffany told WFAA.
A Pattern of Ignored Red Flags Across Multiple Daycare Centers
WFAA’s coverage also revealed that Davidson had previously worked at another daycare, Carpe Diem in Southlake, where similar allegations had been reported. He was later arrested on three counts of indecency with a child by sexual contact.
The Button Law Firm’s lawsuit against Lionheart exposes a disturbing pattern of negligence within the daycare industry. Too often, caregivers and directors ignore warning signs or fail to report suspected abuse. When that happens, children remain in danger.
“These daycares had dozens of complaints and red flags,” said attorney Russell Button. “They knew about it. They just didn’t do anything.”
Standing Up for Families and Demanding Accountability
Our team of daycare and child injury lawyers filed this lawsuit to hold Lionheart accountable for failing to protect the children entrusted to its care. This case is about more than one daycare. It is about changing an entire culture of silence and inaction in the childcare industry that allows predators to keep working around children.
At The Button Law Firm, we fight for families every day. We stand with parents whose trust has been betrayed, and we push for lasting change to make daycares safer for all children.
If you believe your child was harmed or put at risk at a daycare, contact The Button Law Firm today. Call (214) 699-4409, email intake@buttonlawfirm.com, or reach out through our contact page. Our team is ready to stand beside your family and fight for justice.
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