April 24 (UPI) — The former Tennessee high school teacher accused of kidnapping a 15-year-old girl — and staying on the lam for 48 days — was planning to take her to Mexico, authorities said Monday in court documents.
According to the court filing, authorities believe Tad Cummins was planning to take Elizabeth Thomas into Mexico with about $4,500 he obtained in a loan right before the pair disappeared.
Investigators believe their ultimate destination may have been Central or South America.
Cummins and Thomas were last seen in Tennessee on March 13 and remained out of sight until last week when they were spotted in Cecilville, Calif., about 50 miles south of the Oregon border. Cummins was arrested and the girl was placed in protective custody.
The former Maury County school teacher faces extradition to Tennessee to face multiple felony charges related to the girl’s disappearance.
Thomas’ father said last week he believes his daughter was “brainwashed” by Cummins.
If convicted, Cummins faces life in prison.
