Dylan Dukes, teacher at Starr Elementary School accused of stalking 11 year old girl after writing 60 love letters, keeping trove of photos of her along with giving unwanted hugs as the educator is placed on admin leave.
A former teacher of the year in South Carolina has been accused of stalking an eleven year old student, with the male educator writing no less than 60 love letters to the girl since last month.
Dylan Robert Dukes, 27, an elementary teacher at Starr Elementary School upon his arrest was charged with stalking following the educator inappropriately communicating with a former student according to a release from the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office.
The educator is alleged to have written over 60 love letters to the 11 year old girl along with giving her cards, ornaments, pictures and ‘unwanted hugs’ which made the victim feel uncomfortable.
Teacher joins girls church after learning she would not be returning to school
Officials stated before summer break, Dukes gave the child a personalized box with a letter for each day of the week during summer break.
So obsessed was the teacher, Dylan Dukes went so far as to join the same church her family belonged to after learning she would no longer be returning to the school, FOX Carolina reported.
But there’s more.
A survey of the educator’s classroom revealed many pictures of the 11 year old child stowed in the teacher’s desk. Police stressed that the pictures were not sexual in any nature.
Placed on admin leave
‘We are fortunate that this is the one and only charge,’ the sheriff’s office said. ‘Detectives were able to stop the harassment and stalking before it became anything physical – which the juvenile was in fear of.’
Anderson School District Three released the following statement following Dukes’ arrest:
“This week, Anderson 3 was contacted by the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office and made aware of an investigation involving a teacher at Starr Elementary School. Upon learning of the investigation, the teacher was placed on administrative leave in accordance with our district policies. The district is fully cooperating with law enforcement in their investigation. Counseling services and additional support are available to any students or staff who may need assistance.”
Kathy D. Hipp, Superintendent of Anderson School District 3.
Of note, Duke appeared virtually in bond court on Thursday afternoon, WYFF-TV reported.
The victims’ parents spoke at the hearing, saying they are afraid for their daughter’s safety and alarmed by Dukes’ unrestricted access to their family.
Thursday bond hearing
‘My child has been handed love notes by an adult male countless times,’ the victim’s mother said in court, FOX Carolina reported.
The parent said the 60 notes found were just since June.
‘He attended my child’s functions outside of school,’ the victim’s mother said. ‘He started attending our church. I now realize that this access to my child had continued to grow his obsession.’
An attorney for Dukes spoke at the hearing urging bond to be granted, saying her client is not a flight risk.
Dukes’ attorney said even after being named Teacher of the Year in 2023 at Starr Elementary, Dukes continued to report for morning duty, which was not required. She said he will abide by any terms of the court.
However, the victim’s father asked the judge to consider their safety.
‘Given Mr. Dukes’ unrestricted access to our family over the years and the unknown intentions of his obsession, I cannot feel secure knowing that he is not going to put my family in danger,’ the father said.
A judge issued a $50,000 surety bond and said Dukes cannot have any contact with the victim or her family if released.
