FBI investigates Survivor contestant over missing teen son

The FBI has directed the public to call 911 if they encounter Jaime Dugan, the former Survivor: China contestant at the center of an investigation into her alleged failure to return her 16 year-old son to his father.

Dugan is accused of withholding Harper Huffman from his parent, Erik Huffman, starting in August. Court records show that Spartanburg County Family Court Judge M. Todd Thigpen issued a contempt order on September 21. The judge found Dugan in violation of custody terms and ordered her immediate arrest after she missed scheduled hearings.

Dugan has pushed back against claims that she is evading law enforcement. She stated on social media that her son possesses a cellphone and has maintained contact with his father. “I am absolutely not on the run,” she wrote, adding that her son has completed wellness checks with four officers.

An FBI spokesperson confirmed awareness of the case but stopped short of confirming active field operations. “The FBI is aware of the public information regarding Jamie [sic] Dugan and her son, however, the FBI does not comment on the existence or nonexistence of any investigation,” the spokesperson said. Authorities reiterated that residents should dial 911 or contact local police if they spot Dugan.

Huffman expressed concern for his son’s well-being but emphasized he desired for Harper to have a relationship with his mother. An Instagram page has been established to gather leads on the boy's location, and the account currently draws attention from tens of thousands of followers.