A South Carolina judge has ordered the arrest of former Survivor: China contestant Jaime Dugan after she allegedly disappeared with her 16-year-old son, while the FBI investigates the whereabouts of both mother and child.
Dugan, 41, was found in direct contempt of court after failing to return Harper Huffman to his father, Erik Huffman, following a weekend visit on August 30. Harper has been classified as “missing and endangered”.
Huffman, 45, was awarded custody of his son after the couple’s divorce earlier this year. Under the arrangements, Dugan was due to have Harper on alternate weekends.
“Harper’s safety and wellbeing is my top priority right now, and getting him back safely is extremely important,” Huffman said.
He said his son had been settled at his home, with school, therapists, tutors and church youth groups. “I hate that he’s been ripped away,” he added.
Judge orders immediate arrest
In an order issued on September 21, Spartanburg County Family Court Judge M Todd Thigpen said Dugan had failed or refused to return Harper and had not attended subsequent hearings.
The judge called for her “immediate arrest” and authorised law enforcement officers across South Carolina to take her into custody. She is to be held at the Spartanburg County Detention Center once arrested.
Dugan joined an emergency hearing remotely on September 15, despite not having permission to appear virtually, according to the order. When ordered to disclose where she and Harper were, she refused, the judge said.
She was then ordered to attend an in-person hearing on September 18 with Harper. Neither appeared, and the court found that her absence had been wilful.
The court suspended Dugan’s visitation rights, granted Huffman sole custody and ordered her to surrender Harper’s passport.
Huffman said he had been searching for his son and contacting law enforcement agencies across South Carolina. “I do fear for his safety,” he said, adding: “I truly am concerned about her mental stability, and his safety.”
Previous allegations denied
The custody dispute followed a bitter divorce battle between the couple, who met while filming Survivor: China in 2007, married in 2009 and had Harper the following year.
Dugan had made allegations of physical abuse against Huffman and sexual abuse involving Harper’s paternal grandmother to law enforcement agencies and social services. The allegations were not proven, and Huffman denied them.
Authorities asked to interview Harper, but the judge said Dugan had refused to co-operate or make him available. The judge found the allegations unfounded and said they did not entitle her to disregard the custody orders.
Huffman described the allegations as “egregious and hurtful”.
Dugan’s former divorce lawyer, Jonathan Lewis, said she was considered innocent unless or until she was proven guilty of a criminal offence, or liable for a civil offence, following proper court proceedings.
“I join in praying for Harper’s safe return and that this matter will quickly and decisively resolve itself in the best interests of Harper,” he said.
An online campaign called Hope for Harper has been established as concern grows in Cayce, South Carolina. Dugan has not responded to a request for comment.
