Teacher in the US Receives Suspended Sentence for Stalking 11-Year-Old Girl After Sending 60 Love Letters, Sparking Controversy

According to The Financial News, a male teacher in his twenties in the United States was convicted of stalking after sending dozens of letters to his 11-year-old student. The teacher attempted inappropriate physical contact, which led the victim to transfer schools. However, the court's decision to grant a suspended sentence has fueled public debate.
On the 19th (local time), foreign media including the Daily Mail reported that Dylan Robert Dukes, a former elementary school teacher in the State of South Carolina, was charged with stalking a minor and received a three-year prison sentence, suspended for five years.
Dukes had a good reputation, even being named Teacher of the Year for the 2023–2024 school year. However, by the end of 2023, he reportedly began showing inappropriate interest in the girl, who was his student and 11 years old.
He delivered more than 60 personal letters to the girl and gave her gifts such as gift cards and jewelry. Feeling overwhelmed, the girl eventually transferred to another school.
Even after she changed schools, Dukes continued his stalking. He repeatedly tried to approach her, even visiting the church she attended in an attempt to meet her.
Unable to endure the situation any longer, the girl's family decided to take legal action. The girl's mother, who attended the trial, stated, "My daughter suffered from severe fear due to Dukes's obsession," and appealed, "I hope no other student experiences the same harm."
Despite this, the court only issued a suspended sentence. Although the law allows for up to three years in prison, the judge decided to release him back into society rather than incarcerate him. As a result, Dukes avoided jail time, even though the crime involved stalking a minor.
However, the court did issue a permanent restraining order against Dukes, prohibiting any contact with the victim. It was also reported that his teaching license has been permanently revoked.


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