‘Teacher of the Year’ Stalked 11-Year-Old Girl in His Class and Wrote Her 60 Love Letters. He Was Just Sentenced to Probation

A South Carolina elementary school teacher who sent an 11-year-old former student more than 60 “love letters” and gave her gifts and unwanted physical contact has pleaded guilty to harassment — and will avoid jail time.

According to WSAZ, FOX Carolina and WYFF4, 27-year-old Dylan Robert Dukes admitted in court that he repeatedly contacted the girl after she was no longer in his class at Starr Elementary School. Deputies said he sent handwritten notes — including messages for each day of the week over summer break — and gave her photos and unsolicited hugs.

Investigators later found multiple photos of the child hidden in his classroom desk, though authorities emphasized none were sexual in nature.

The girl’s mother told the court in July 2024 that her daughter no longer felt safe in places normally meant for children. “My child has had to endure moments of uncomfortability in places like church, school and sports, where my child should be comfortable and able to enjoy being a child,” she said, according to HuffPost. She added that Dukes even began attending their church to maintain access.

The Anderson County Sheriff’s Office launched an investigation in July 2024. Detectives believe they stepped in before the situation escalated, noting it was “fortunate that this is the one and only charge,” and that the child had feared the behavior might become physical.

Dukes was originally charged with stalking and released on a $50,000 surety bond, per WYFF4 and HuffPost. 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 received a three-year sentence — suspended in favor of five years’ probation, according to WSAZ, FOX Carolina and WYFF4. His sentence also requires mental-health counseling, surrender of his teaching certificate and compliance with a permanent restraining order preventing any contact with the child and her family.

Kathy D. Hipp, superintendent of Anderson County School District 3, said in a statement obtained by WYFF4 that the district is cooperating with investigators and providing counseling for students and staff.