Tad Cummins-Elizabeth Thomas Update: Ex-Teacher’s Family Reacts To His Arrest For Allegedly Kidnapping Student

The family of Tad Cummins, who was arrested Wednesday for the alleged kidnapping his student Elizabeth Thomas, said Friday they have no comment or opinion on the fate of the ex-teacher. Cummins is facing federal charges in Elizabeth’s monthlong disappearance.

Cummins’ wife Jill and daughters Erica and Ashlee issued a statement through their attorney saying they are “thankful” that Elizabeth will “soon be returned to her family where she can begin the healing process.”

"Jill, Erica, and Ashlee are glad this chapter of the ordeal is over. … [They] have the utmost respect for District Attorney Brent Cooper and Acting US Attorney John L. Smith and they trust the judicial system to administer justice upon Tad Cummins. Jill, Erica, and Ashlee offer neither comment nor opinion about what should or should not happen to Tad Cummins and leave that up to the capable individuals involved in the judicial system," the family said in the statement.

Elizabeth was the subject of Amber Alert in Tennessee and Alabama after she went missing March 13. Following this, Cummins was listed in Tennessee’s “Top 10 Most Wanted.”

After over monthlong hunt, the student-teacher duo was located in northern California’s remote Siskiyou County. Cummins, 50, and Elizabeth, 15, reportedly spent one night in a remote cabin in Cecilville in northwest of Redding, before being found by law enforcement officials.

Authorities in Siskiyou County arrested Cummins and he was booked into Sacramento County jail. He was charged with knowingly transporting a minor in interstate commerce with the intention to engage in sexual activity.

Cummins and Elizabeth were also subject of speculation that the two had a romantic relationship. A student at their Maury County’s Culleoka Unit School saw the pair kissing in January. Cummins was a health science teacher at the school and Elizabeth was a student at his third-period class.

After Elizabeth’s return, her father Anthony Thomas said he believed his daughter was “brainwashed” by Cummins. The teen is currently is under protective care.

"She is being evaluated and treated by mental health experts specializing in trauma," Elizabeth’s family said, in a statement. "There is no doubt that she suffered severe emotional trauma and that her process of recovery is only just beginning."