TEACHER ARRESTED IN THE KIDNAPPING OF STUDENT

Authorities in California arrested a Tennessee teacher on Thursday for kidnapping his 15-year old student.

The 5-week manhunt for Tad Cummins started on March 13 after Cummins fled with Elizabeth Thomas from the town of Culleoka, Tennessee. The acting U.S. District Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee, Jack Smith disclosed that Cummins will be facing federal and state charges for kidnap and for transporting a minor across state lines with the intention of having sexual intercourse. The minimum penalty for such charge is 10 years. The 50-year-old Cummins had been previously charged with sexual contact with a minor.

The 5-week manhunt for Tad Cummins started on March 13 after Cummins fled with Elizabeth Thomas from the town of Culleoka, Tennessee. The acting U.S. District Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee, Jack Smith, disclosed that Cummins will be facing federal and state charges for kidnap and for transporting a minor across state lines with the intention of having sexual intercourse. The minimum penalty for such charge is 10 years. The 50-year-old Cummins had been previously charged with sexual contact with a minor.

Jason Whatley, attorney for the Thomas family, said, "There aren't words in the English language to describe the level of relief and elation experienced by the Thomas family." Now begins another hard chapter, but for now, we celebrate."

The teacher along with the student was staying in a cabin that was described as a “very remote” area of northern California by Josh DeVine, public information officer for the FBI.

Mr. Mark Gwyn of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation confirmed that authorities received a tip late Wednesday night and notified Siskiyou County authorities. Tad Cummins was nabbed on Thursday morning after authorities spotted his Nissan Rogue SUV and it is reported he didn’t resist arrest. It was also disclosed that efforts are in place to reunite Elizabeth Thomas with her family. Mr. Mark Gwyn confirmed that the main concern was her emotional well-being. Siskiyou County authorities also confirmed that Tad Cummins said “I’m glad this is over,” after his arrest.

The FBI received more than 1,500 tips during the period of investigation. “We mobilized a nation during these six weeks, and when you do that, something good most likely is going to happen, because you can’t hide from that many millions of people who are looking for you,” Mark Gwyn said.

Meanwhile, Tad Cummins’ estranged wife, Jill Cummins was very relieved when she learned both were found safe. Sources say she is in the process of filing for a divorce.

By Diamond and Silk ~Published