South Carolina Teacher Arrested After Admitting to Writing 60 Love Letters to 11-Year-Old Student
SOUTH CAROLINA — A 27-year-old elementary school teacher has been arrested after admitting to writing more than 60 “love letters” and stalking an 11-year-old student, according to court documents and police reports from Anderson County.
Authorities identified the suspect as Dylan Robert Dukes, a former teacher at Starr Elementary School, who reportedly gave the student unwanted gifts, letters, and hugs, and even began attending the child’s church.
Teacher Admitted to Repeated Contact and Inappropriate Behavior
Investigators say Dukes admitted to repeatedly contacting the girl and maintaining photographs of her in his desk at school. Officials said his behavior included persistent communication, stalking-like actions, and emotional manipulation that deeply alarmed the student’s family.
According to court records, Dukes pleaded guilty to first-degree harassment and was sentenced to three years in jail, which was suspended in favor of five years’ probation.
He was also ordered to surrender his teaching certificate, undergo mandatory mental health counseling, and abide by a permanent restraining order barring any future contact with the child or her family.
Court Ruling and Sentencing
As part of the plea deal, Dukes accepted all charges of harassment and agreed to strict supervision terms. The judge emphasized that his position as an educator made his actions especially serious, breaching the trust between schools and families.
“The court takes this matter with utmost seriousness,” the judge said during sentencing, citing the need for accountability and ensuring no further contact with minors.
School District and Community Reaction
The Anderson School District released a statement confirming Dukes is no longer employed and that his teaching credentials have been revoked permanently. Officials said they are cooperating fully with law enforcement and offering counseling resources to affected students.
Parents across the community expressed anger and disappointment, demanding stronger screening and monitoring policies for educators to prevent similar incidents in the future.
A Disturbing Pattern of Boundary Violations
Court documents reveal that Dukes’ fixation on the student extended beyond the classroom, where he allegedly began showing up at public places where the child and her family attended. Investigators found that his contact continued even after leaving the school.
Law enforcement described his actions as predatory and obsessive, adding that there was no evidence of physical assault but that the level of harassment posed a significant psychological impact on the victim.
Officials urged parents to report any unusual teacher-student interactions to school administrators or law enforcement immediately.
Stay informed on local and national safety updates at NapervilleLocal.com.
Naperville is a community with stories that deserve to be told — both the serious ones about safety and justice, and the lighter ones that capture our culture and daily life. I focus on covering crime reports and court updates while also highlighting the traditions, events, and social trends that shape who we are. Through my reporting, I want to give readers a fuller picture of Naperville — the challenges we face and the character that keeps our city strong.