The Siskiyou County Sheriff's Department told ABC News that Cummins would be arraigned today.Ĭummins also faces charges in California's Siskiyou County for kidnapping and possession of stolen property, according to the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Department. It could take several weeks for Cummins to be extradited to Tennessee, Smith said.Ĭummins remained in the custody of the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Department without bond Thursday while he awaits extradition, according to the TBI. The charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison. State Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Tennessee has also filed a federal charge of transportation of a minor across state lines with intent of having criminal sexual intercourse against Cummins, according to U.S. Teacher researched 'teen marriage' before kidnapping 15-year-old: Police What's next for CumminsĬummins is charged with aggravated kidnapping and sexual contact with a minor, according to Brent Cooper, the district attorney general for Giles, Lawrence, Maury and Wayne counties in Tennessee. "We're very happy we're going to be able to see her again," he added. "We didn't get an opportunity to speak to her last night, but we're looking forward to that this morning when they fly her back," the teen's father, Anthony Thomas, told "GMA." In an interview with “GMA” this morning, the Thomas family said they had not yet spoken with Elizabeth but were "very relieved" she was found safe and unharmed. Authorities said a TBI aircraft that traveled to California will bring Elizabeth, who was in FBI custody in Redding, California, home to Tennessee. Father's message to ElizabethĮfforts to reunite Elizabeth with her family remain ongoing. Cummins became angry when they were rejected, the worker said. "Griffin definitely was pivotal in this event.”Īuthorities had initially said Cummins was arrested at a commune in rural Siskiyou County but later clarified that the arrest occurred at a cabin.Ī worker at Black Bear Ranch told ABC News that Cummins and Elizabeth had tried to stay at the commune but were turned away because of "all kinds of indications" that something was off about them. He helped us tremendously," Lopey told "GMA."
Cummins had he not brought his presence to our attention. Two loaded handguns were found in the cabin, according to the sheriff's department.
Deputies set up a perimeter around the cabin and elected to wait until the morning to arrest Cummins as he exited the residence, according to the sheriff's department.Īs daylight broke, Cummins surrendered without incident and Elizabeth was safely recovered by law enforcement officers, according to the TBI.
The car was then kept under surveillance for several hours.Īuthorities from the Siskiyou County Sheriff's Department found the pair at the isolated cabin early Thursday morning, nearly 2,500 miles away from their homes in Tennessee. The Siskiyou County Sheriff's Department in California had received a similar tip, Devine said.Īfter investigators located a Nissan Rogue, they were able to confirm through its vehicle identification number that it belonged to Cummins. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) public information officer Josh Devine said they received a call to their tip line about a possible sighting of the duo around 11 p.m. Meanwhile, an Amber Alert had been issued for Elizabeth. The former teacher was also added to Tennessee’s 10 most wanted list. Cummins was wanted on allegations of aggravated kidnapping and sexual contact with a minor.
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