Jaime Dugan, a former contestant on the reality television series *Survivor: China*, has publicly asserted that she has not been in contact with the FBI regarding the whereabouts of her son, Harper. The situation has escalated following allegations that Dugan failed to return 16-year-old Harper to his father, Erik Huffman, after a scheduled weekend visit in August.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/jamie-dugan-1-0542971567ce438a968fbba73099f20c.jpg)
According to reports, an investigation has begun, led by the FBI, after Erik Huffman reported that Dugan had not complied with custody arrangements. The couple, who initially met while filming *Survivor: China* in 2007, were married in 2009 and divorce proceedings were finalised in 2024. Huffman retains primary custody of their son, Harper, who has reportedly been declared a missing person.
The case gained notoriety when an Instagram account was dedicated to raising awareness about Harper’s situation. The account featured an initial post on 30 September, stating that Harper was last seen with his mother in Cayce, South Carolina, on 30 August and highlighted that Dugan, lacking custody, had allegedly fled the state with him.
In a statement to Entertainment Weekly, a spokesperson for the FBI commented on the situation without confirming the existence of any active investigation. “The FBI is aware of the public information regarding Jaime Dugan and her son,” the spokesperson stated, urging anyone who might see Dugan to contact local authorities or dial 911.
The urgency around Harper’s situation has been amplified by the release of a missing-person poster on 3 October. The poster indicates that Harper is believed to have been abducted by Dugan and is considered to be in danger. It specifically notes that he has Autism Spectrum Disorder and has not had any contact with his father or extended family since the incident.
In her response to questions posed by the *Daily Mail*, Dugan insisted that she is not evading the law. “I am absolutely not on the run,” she stated. She further claimed that she has had ‘wellness checks’ conducted by four officers since the situation developed and asserts that she has not been approached by the FBI.
Contrasting Dugan’s account, Erik Huffman expressed deep concern for their son’s safety and wellbeing. He stated, “Harper’s safety and wellbeing is my top priority right now, and getting him back safely is extremely important.” Huffman lamented the disruption in Harper’s life, noting that they had established a stable routine that included school, therapeutic support, and community involvement, which he believes are crucial for Harper’s development.
The complexity of the situation has deepened with legal implications, as a court order from Spartanburg County Family Court dated 21 September has described Harper as “missing and endangered,” and found Dugan in direct contempt for her actions.
As investigations continue, the focus remains on ensuring Harper’s safety and resolving the custody dispute. Family law experts indicate that navigating this case may require a delicate balance between legal rights and the emotional wellbeing of the minors involved. The community is rallying around the issue, with hopes that an effective resolution is reached soon.
Local authorities, together with the FBI, are appealing to the public for any information that could assist in locating Harper and safely reuniting him with his father. The ongoing investigation is a reminder of the challenges faced by families in custody disputes, particularly when allegations of abduction are involved. As events unfold, many are hoping for a swift and safe conclusion to this concerning situation.