© 2026 ABC News

Cummins' wife, Jill Cummins, pleaded with her husband Friday to \"come home.\" \"I had no idea my husband was involved with anything that has led to all this. My heart breaks for the family of Beth Thomas,\" she said. \"Tad, this is not you. This is not who you are. We can help you get through this ... Your family wants their poppy back. Please do the right thing and turn yourself in to the police and bring Beth home.\"

In an interview with ABC News Monday, Elizabeth's father, Anthony Thomas, pleaded with his daughter, \"Please let us know you are all right and please come home to us.\"

It's been a week, but we're not giving up hope. Stay vigilant, stay alert, and let us know if you spot these individuals or this vehicle. pic.twitter.com/jDACuW1iUg

— TBI (@TBInvestigation) March 20, 2017

Thomas family attorney Jason Whatley told ABC News that Cummins was \"taking advantage” of his student and \"manipulating her into leaving with him.\"

\"We are very concerned about the control that he has over her,\" Whatley said. \"We believe that is 100 percent the reason why she is missing at this point. He is the problem. She is not. She's a child. She's a victim.\"

Cummins is described as 6 feet tall and about 200 pounds. He may be driving a 2015 silver Nissan Rogue with Tennessee license plate number 976-ZPT.

Elizabeth is described as 5 foot 5 and 120 pounds. She was last seen wearing leggings and a flannel shirt.

Authorities are asking that anyone with information call 1-800-TBI-FIND and that anyone who sees a car with a Tennessee license plate 976-ZPT call 911. A $1,000 reward is available for information leading to Cummins' arrest.

ABC News' Eva Pilgrim and Janice McDonald contributed to this report.

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