Authorities have arrested a South Carolina teacher for allegedly stalking an 11-year-old girl and sending her more than 60 love letters, WIS10 reported.
Starr Elementary School teacher Dylan Robert Dukes, 27, is facing stalking charges for allegedly behaving inappropriately towards a former student. according to The Anderson County Sheriff's Office detailed that Dukes had sent the girl more than 60 love letters and other unsolicited gifts, including cards, gift cards, ornaments, photos and “unwanted hugs,” the department reported.
South Carolina 'Teacher of the Year' accused of stalking, writing 60 love letters to 11-year-old student https://t.co/IZSiKYlxiZ pic.twitter.com/i9drFUoq4d
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Authorities said that before summer vacation, Dukes had prepared a personalized box with a letter for each day of the week for the girl to read during the holidays, WIS 10 reported. A search of Dukes' classroom uncovered photos of the girl, but they were not sexual in nature, the outlet reported. The sheriff's office expressed relief that they were able to intervene before the situation escalated to the physical situation the girl feared.
NEW YORK, NY – March 7, 2022: Teacher Marisa Wiesel (a relative of the photographer) guides her students into her classroom at New York City's Young Wing School PS 124. Image not sourced from the article (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images)
Following the allegations, Anderson School District 3, in accordance with district policy, has cooperated with the ongoing investigation and placed Dukes on immediate administrative leave.
“The school district is cooperating fully with law enforcement in their investigation, and counseling services and additional support will be provided to any students or staff in need of assistance,” Anderson School District 3 Superintendent Cathy D. Hipp said in a statement, WIS10 reported. (Related article: Guidance counselor arrested for allegedly giving 13-year-old a lap dance)
The teacher was being held at the Anderson County Detention Center and appeared in bail court via video link Thursday wearing a Star Elementary School shirt, according to WIS 10. During the hearing, the victim's parents expressed deep concern for their daughter's safety.
“He was attending my child's events outside of school,” the victim's mother said, according to WIS 10. “He started attending our church. I now realize that his proximity to my child made him even more obsessive.”
A judge set Dukes' bond at $50,000 and strictly prohibited him from having any contact with the victim and her family, WIS10 reported.
