Judge Delays Trial Of Accused Kidnapping Teacher Tad Cummins

NASHVILLE, TN — A federal judge reset the trial date for ex-Maury County teacher Tad Cummins, accused of kidnapping a former student and absconding with her on a weeks-long cross-country effort to avoid arrest.

Cummins' attorney, public defender Dumaka Shabazz, filed a motion to reset Cummins' federal trial from July 25 to January 2018, according to court records. With no objection from the U.S. Attorney, Judge Waverly Crenshaw set the trial to January 2, 2018, though there's a chance it could be delayed further. (For more updates on this story and free news alerts for your neighborhood, sign up for your local Middle Tennessee Patch morning newsletter.)

Cummins, who taught at Culleoka Unit School, is accused of disappearing with the female student in March and then taking her cross-country to avoid detection. He was eventually arrested in a secluded area of northern California April 20, thanks to a tip from a former Brentwood Academy student who was working in the area.

Cummins is charged with unlawful transportation of a minor under 18 with the intent to engage in sexual activity.

“In the light of the serious nature of the charge, the ongoing plea discussions, and the need to conduct additional research and investigation, undersigned counsel submits that the interests of justice will be served by the granting of a continuance,” the motion states. “Further, he submits that the denial of a continuance in the present case would deny him the reasonable time necessary for effective preparation, taking into account the exercise of due diligence.”

Image via Siskiyou County, Calif. Sheriff's Department