© 2026 ABC News

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 weighs about 200 pounds. He may be driving a 2015 silver Nissan Rogue with a Tennessee license plate number 976-ZPT.

Elizabeth Thomas is described as 5-foot-5 and weighs 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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