Missing Tenn. girl found; teacher held
Pair sought since March found at commune in northern California
A former high school teacher wanted in connection with the disappearance of a Tennessee teen has been arrested in northern California and the girl he kidnapped has been found safe, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation said Thursday.
The agency tweeted just before noon that Tad Cummins had been arrested and Elizabeth Thomas had been safely recovered. A news release says the pair was found at a commune.
The duo have been sought since March. Cummins was Elizabeth’s teacher at Culleoka Unit School in Maury County, Tenn.
“Our intelligence analysts and agents have worked tirelessly since issuing this Amber Alert to process more than 1,500 leads from all 50 states,” TBI Director Mark Gwyn said. “What happened in California proves it only takes one person to lead to a successful end.”
Cummins is in custody in a California jail without bond, awaiting extradition to Tennessee to face charges of sexual contact with a minor and aggravated kidnapping, according to TBI.
Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Offices spokeswoman Kelly Giordano said that Cummins’ vehicle was found in their jurisdiction Wednesday night.
The county is in a remote area near the Shasta- Trinity National Forest, northwest of Redding, Calif.
Authorities issued an Amber Alert for Thomas, of Columbia, Tenn., after her parents reported her missing March 13.
Rep. Sheila Butt, a Republican lawmaker who represents Columbia, said Thursday was a great day for her community.
“When something like this happens, a community gets together and feels like this is one of our children,” Butt said. “This just feels like our prayers have been answered, and the lost sheep is home,” she said.