Teacher Pleads Guilty After Sending 60+ Notes to Former Student
A South Carolina elementary school teacher who repeatedly contacted an 11-year-old former student, sending more than 60 handwritten notes, gifts and unwanted hugs, pleaded guilty to first-degree harassment and received a suspended jail sentence and probation.
Authorities identified the teacher as 27-year-old Dylan Robert Dukes, who had recently been named Starr Elementary School's 2023–2024 Teacher of the Year. Deputies say Dukes continued to pursue the girl after she left his class, delivering stacks of letters and photos, including sets of notes written for each day of the week during summer break.
Investigators later found numerous photographs of the child tucked inside Dukes' classroom desk; officials told reporters those images were not sexual in nature. The girl's parents told the court that Dukes began attending their church, which increased his access to their daughter and deepened their concern.
The girl's mother described how the harassment upended places where her child should feel safe, saying that church, school and sports have become sources of unease rather than comfort.
Investigation, Charges and Sentence
The Anderson County Sheriff's Office opened an investigation in July 2024 after being notified of repeated contact between Dukes and the student. Deputies say detectives believe they intervened before the situation escalated further. Dukes was initially charged with stalking and released on a $50,000 surety bond; he was placed on administrative leave from Starr Elementary.
At a recent plea hearing Dukes admitted to first-degree harassment. A judge sentenced him to three years of incarceration, but that jail term was suspended in favor of five years of probation. The sentence also requires him to attend court-ordered mental-health counseling, surrender his teaching certificate and comply with a permanent restraining order prohibiting any contact with the girl or her family.
School and Community Response
Kathy D. Hipp, superintendent of Anderson County School District 3, said the district is fully cooperating with investigators and has made counseling resources available to students and staff affected by the case. Local outlets that covered the story include WSAZ, FOX Carolina and WYFF4; the case was also summarized in reports by People and HuffPost.
Key facts:
- Subject: Dylan Robert Dukes, 27, former teacher
- Victim: 11-year-old former student
- Allegations: More than 60 handwritten notes, gifts, unwanted hugs, photos found in teacher's desk
- Initial charge: Stalking; bond set at $50,000
- Plea and sentence: Pleaded guilty to first-degree harassment; three-year jail term suspended to five years probation; must surrender teaching certificate, attend counseling and obey permanent restraining order
This case highlights concerns about boundaries and access when adults in positions of trust continue contact with children after a formal teacher-student relationship ends.
