WOWK13 Reports on BLF Lawsuit After Toddler Sexual Abuse

WOWK13 Highlights Internal Warnings at Lionheart Daycare

WOWK13 recently reported on a lawsuit filed in Tarrant County against Lionheart Children’s Academy, brought by The Button Law Firm on behalf of a toddler who was sexually abused while in the daycare’s care. The case underscores a troubling pattern at Lionheart: multiple reports were made with serious concerns about a teacher’s interactions with children, but management failed to act or report those issues as required by Texas law.

Multiple Red Flags Ignored

As WOWK13 notes, Lionheart staff repeatedly raised concerns about Thaddaeus Davidson, a teacher responsible for toddlers at the center. This included inappropriate touching, violations of bathroom policies, and behavior that made staff uncomfortable, such as Davidson kissing children on the lips or having them sit on his lap inappropriately.

One teacher sent a particularly alarming email in July directly to the center’s director, detailing 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 explicit warnings, Lionheart retained Davidson on staff and did not alert state or local authorities. WOWK13 emphasizes that these ignored reports reflect systemic failures in daycare oversight.

A Culture of Non-Action and Non-Reporting

WOWK13 highlights the “culture of non-action and non-reporting” described in the lawsuit. In March, parents of another toddler reported that Davidson had tickled two young girls in their private areas. Lionheart failed to report this incident to the authorities. Investigations by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) and the Southlake Police Department confirmed multiple violations, including failure to report suspected child abuse and inadequate supervision of caregivers and children.

At least two separate caregivers witnessed Davidson’s questionable behavior and did not report it, contributing to an environment where the abuse continued unchecked. WOWK13’s coverage emphasizes that when warning signs are ignored, the safety of all children in the facility is compromised.

The Button Law Firm Holds Lionheart Accountable

“This lawsuit is about accountability and prevention,” says daycare and child injury lawyer Russell Button, representing the family. The Button Law Firm is seeking justice for the child and making it clear that daycare centers must take signs of sexual abuse seriously. Texas daycare laws exist to protect children and require mandatory reporting of suspected abuse. Ignoring red flags puts every child in the facility at risk.

Through the lawsuit, The Button Law Firm is holding Lionheart accountable for its failures, aiming to ensure that daycare centers maintain proper supervision, report concerns immediately, and uphold the highest standards of safety. The firm is also raising awareness among parents and caregivers about the critical importance of advocating for children’s protection.

Taking Action to Protect Children

What happened at Lionheart illustrates the consequences that can result when daycares overlook warning signs and fail to comply with the law. No family should ever have to experience that kind of betrayal or pain.

At The Button Law Firm, we fight for families every day—and we’re ready to fight for yours. If you believe your child was hurt or put in danger at a daycare, contact us today at 214-699-4409, email intake@buttonlawfirm.com, or reach out through our contact page. Together, we can hold negligent daycares accountable and make Texas safer for every child.

Schedule a Free Case Evaluation with a Texas Daycare Abuse Attorney Today

If you or someone you know has a child who was harmed by their daycare teacher, contact our firm. We know how difficult getting through this can be. Our experienced team wants to help guide you – as we have helped guide many parents and families within Midland, Houston, Dallas, and the surrounding areas.

You can give us a call at (214) 699-4409 or email us at intake@buttonlawfirm.com. You can also reach out to us by filling out the form below or by starting a chat with a member of our team.

WOWK13 Highlights How Lionheart Daycare Ignored Sexual Abuse, Leading to BLF Lawsuit