‘Teacher of the Year’ Stalked Girl, 11, and Wrote Her Dozens of Love Letters in Shocking Case

A South Carolina elementary school teacher who showered an 11-year-old former student with more than 60 “love letters,” gifts, and unwanted hugs has pleaded guilty to harassment — but will only serve probation.

Dylan Robert Dukes, 27, admitted in court that he repeatedly contacted the girl after she left his class at Starr Elementary School, according to WSAZ, FOX Carolina, and WYFF4. Investigators said he gave her unwanted hugs, photos, and handwritten notes — over 60 in total — including letters for every day of the week during summer break.

Authorities later found numerous photos of the child in Dukes’ classroom desk, though officials emphasized that none were sexual in nature.

The girl’s mother told the court in July 2024 that Dukes’ actions disrupted places where her daughter should have felt safe. “My child has had to endure moments of uncomfortability in places like church, school, and sports, where she should be comfortable and able to enjoy being a child,” she said, per HuffPost. She added that Dukes had started attending their church, giving him continued access that “grew his obsession.”

The investigation began in July 2024 after the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office was notified about Dukes’ repeated contact with the child. Officials said detectives acted quickly to prevent the situation from escalating and noted it was “fortunate that this is the one and only charge,” as the child had feared the behavior could become physical.

Dukes was charged with stalking and released on a $50,000 surety bond. He was placed on administrative leave from Starr Elementary, where he had recently been named the school’s 2023–2024 Teacher of the Year.

At a plea hearing last week, Dukes pleaded guilty to first-degree harassment and was sentenced to three years in prison, suspended in favor of five years of probation. His sentence also requires him to attend mental-health counseling, surrender his teaching certificate, and comply with a permanent restraining order barring contact with the girl and her family.

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.