‘SICK, DISGUSTING CRIMINAL’

Ex-Teacher Tad Cummins Gets 20 Years for Kidnapping Student for Sex

Former Tennessee educator took 15-year-old to California.

Tad Cummins, a former Tennessee teacher who kidnapped a 15-year-old student and took her to California for sex, has been sentenced to 20 years as his victim condemned him as a “sick, disgusting criminal.” Cummins pleaded guilty last April to obstructing justice and taking a minor across state lines for sex. During the 39-day ordeal, he forced his victim to pretend to be his wife as they traveled 1,900 miles away from the girl's hometown of Culleoka. The girl broke down in tears while giving her statement during Wednesday’s hearing. She said: “You preyed upon a vulnerable girl and robbed her childhood. For the last two years, I’ve been picking myself up, piece by piece, and proving to myself that I am much, much stronger than you convinced me I was.” Cummins, 52, will have to register as a sex offender after he is released.