A South Carolina judge has ordered the arrest of former Survivor: China contestant Jaime Dugan after finding she failed to return her 16-year-old son to his father and skipped court hearings — a development that has prompted a statewide warrant and an active FBI inquiry. The ruling places the boy’s welfare squarely at the center of a high-profile custody battle with legal consequences for both parents.
Spartanburg County Family Court Judge M. Todd Thigpen issued the order after concluding Dugan willfully ignored court instructions. The judge described the teen as “missing and endangered” and authorized law enforcement across South Carolina to take Dugan into custody immediately.
Dugan, 41, was ordered to return her son, Harper, to his father, Erik Huffman, following a visit that ended on Aug. 30, according to court filings. When neither Dugan nor Harper appeared at a subsequent in-person hearing in mid-September, the judge found Dugan in contempt and suspended her visitation rights, granting Huffman sole custody.
Authorities are also seeking Harper’s passport, and the order specifies that if Dugan is arrested she would be held at the Spartanburg County Detention Center. The court directed law enforcement to locate the child and secure his safe return.
Where the case stands now
The situation has escalated beyond a routine custody dispute: the FBI has been reported as involved in locating the mother and son, and local police have conducted wellness checks. Dugan, however, told reporters she is not evading authorities and said she had not been properly served with recent hearing notices.
Her statement also said she had not been contacted by the FBI and that officers had checked on Harper’s wellbeing several times. Dugan’s former lawyer reminded the public of the legal principle that she is presumed innocent until proven otherwise.
- Aug. 30: End of weekend visitation; father expected to have son returned.
- Sept. 15: Dugan participated remotely in an emergency hearing but was later ordered to appear in person with Harper.
- Sept. 18: Neither Dugan nor Harper attended the in-person hearing; judge found the absence willful.
- Court action: Contempt finding, visitation suspended, sole custody awarded to Huffman, passport surrendered, arrest authorized statewide.
- Law enforcement: FBI involvement reported; local wellness checks conducted.
Background and allegations
Huffman and Dugan met while competing on Survivor: China in 2007, married two years later and share Harper, born in 2010. The couple divorced earlier this year, and the custody dispute has since grown contentious.
During litigation, Dugan raised accusations of physical abuse by Huffman and alleged sexual misconduct involving Harper’s paternal grandmother. Those claims were examined by investigators and, according to the court, were not substantiated. Huffman has denied the allegations.
Legal counsel for Dugan emphasized the importance of due process. “She remains entitled to the protections of the law,” the attorney said, adding a personal note that he hoped for Harper’s safe and swift return.
The immediate implications are clear: with a judge-authorized arrest order in place and federal attention reported, the case is likely to move quickly through law enforcement channels. For now, county courts and police in South Carolina are the front line in resolving where the teen is and ensuring his safety.
Similar Posts
- The Voice singer faces criminal charges after arrest: what prosecutors allege
- Block the Merger coalition files legal request to oppose Paramount–Warner Bros. deal
- Joseph Duggar booking photo surfaces: new arrest details emerge
- Jazelle “GG” Banks commits to South Carolina, will join Dawn Staley
- Halle Berry’s daughter speaks out after domestic abuse allegations surface
Hello, I’m River. I inform you about the latest pop trends and viral buzz to feed your curiosity.