Judge Ordered Arrest of Mother in Custody Dispute
A South Carolina judge issued an arrest warrant for a mother who failed to return her son to his father.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Divorce
Judge M. Todd Thigpen has ordered the arrest of Jaime Dugan after she failed to return her 16-year-old son, Harper, to his father, Erik Huffman. The court has declared the teenager missing and endangered, suspending Dugan's visitation rights as an FBI investigation continues.
Why it matters
The order follows a pattern of non-compliance with custody mandates and unauthorized legal maneuvers. Authorities are seeking to locate the mother and child after Dugan willfully refused to disclose their whereabouts to the court.
The missing son is described as 6 feet tall and weighing 120 pounds. Dugan previously filed for Chapter 13 bankruptcy in July 2026 and faced a cyberstalking charge in 2025.
The players
Jaime Dugan
She is the subject of an arrest warrant for failing to comply with court-ordered custody arrangements.
M. Todd Thigpen
He is the judge presiding over the family court proceedings in Spartanburg County.
Erik Huffman
He is the father who was granted sole custody of his son by the court.
The details
Dugan failed to appear for court hearings on September 18 after previously joining an emergency hearing remotely without authorization on September 15. The court has now directed law enforcement agencies across South Carolina to take Dugan into custody.
Timeline
August 30, 2026: Dugan failed to return her son to his father.
September 15, 2026: Dugan attended an emergency hearing remotely.
September 18, 2026: Dugan failed to appear in court as ordered.
September 21, 2026: Judge issued an order for Dugan's arrest.
Culture Shift
This case highlights the growing intersection between digital surveillance and traditional family law disputes in the modern era. It reflects a broader trend where court systems increasingly utilize multi-agency cooperation to track missing minors across state jurisdictions.
Residents should remain aware of safety advisories issued by law enforcement regarding the endangered teenager. The court's order for state-wide law enforcement action may lead to increased presence or informational alerts in areas where the pair was last seen.
The takeaway
Custody disputes that escalate to criminal contempt orders highlight the importance of adhering to legal mandates during family proceedings. Parents are encouraged to seek qualified legal counsel to navigate complex custody modifications rather than resorting to unauthorized actions.
Further reading
Learn more about the complexities of custody proceedings in South Carolina Divorce.
