TBI: Still No Credible Tips In Elizabeth Thomas Disappearance

COLUMBIA, TN — None of the 1,100 tips the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has received since the disappearance of Maury County teenager Elizabeth Thomas two weeks ago have proven credible.

"I want to promise you we will keep doing anything and everything we can to bring Elizabeth home and pursue justice for Tad Cummins," TBI Director Mark Gwyn said during a Tuesday briefing at the Maury County Courthouse.

Thomas, 15, was last seen when a friend dropped her off at the Shoney's in Columbia March 14. Cummins, 50, a former teacher of Thomas' at Culleoka Unit School, is wanted on charges of aggravated kidnapping connected to the disappearance as well as sexual contact with a minor.

Investigators say Thomas performed internet searches for information on teen marriage in the days prior to Thomas' disappearance and the pair exchanged notes through the drafts folder of his email account.

"Let me be very clear this morning, she is 15, a child, he is 50, a grown man. This was not a romance. This was manipulation solely to benefit Tad Cummins," TBI Director Mark Gwyn said, noting that Thomas may not understand that she is a victim.

Gwyn also appealed to Cummins' faith in an effort to convince him to return to Tennessee or turn himself in.

"To Tad, let me say this, it's still not too late to the right thing. A self-proclaimed man of faith, you have the power to answer the prayers of your family, of the community and so many people across the community and bring Elizabeth home," he said.

Maury County's district attorney said anyone who knows someone in Mexico or Central America should send them a copy of the TBI's Amber Alert flyer, as it's possible Cummins is purporting to be a missionary.

Thomas is white with blonde hair and hazel eyes, standing 5-feet tall and weighing 120 pounds. Cummins is a 6-foot white male with brown hair and brown eyes and weighing 200 pounds. He drives a silver Nissan Rogue with Tennessee license plate of 976ZPT.

Image via TBI