NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - There's been a confirmed sighting in Oklahoma of a 15-year-old girl who disappeared more than two weeks ago with her 50-year-old teacher, Tennessee authorities said Friday.
The exact circumstances of 15-year-old Thomas' disappearance and her relationship with 50-year-old Cummins are still murky, but Smart says a common denominator is the manipulation of these teens by these older men. According to WKRN, a BOLO - or be-on-the-lookout - was issued for the area's law enforcement after Cummins and Thomas were reportedly sighted walking through the parking lot. But they TBI says there have been "no substantiated sightings of either individual". Cummins used cash to buy food items, but didn't purchase anything else of significance, according to the TBI.
Cummins is accused of kidnapping Elizabeth Thomas on March 13.
Cummins is wanted for kidnapping and having sexual contact with Thomas, who was his student at Culleoka Unit School in Maury County, Tennessee.
Investigators say they believe the two were in Decatur, Alabama, hours after a friend dropped Elizabeth off at a restaurant in Columbia, Tennessee, on March 13.
An attorney for the Thomas family, Jason Whatley, told ABC News last week that Cummins "preyed on her".
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The photos show that both Cummins and Thomas appear to have altered their hair.
. Cummins is believed to be armed with two guns. This was manipulation exclusively to benefit Tad Cummins. Elizabeth testified in court that Mitchell terrorized her with nearly daily rapes and the constant threat of killing her if she tried to escape.TBI spokesman Josh DeVine said Cummins spent a lot of time grooming Thomas to be his victim. She was last seen wearing leggings and a flannel shirt.
"Thomas is a 15-year-old white female, with hazel eyes, stands 5'0" and weighs 120 pounds.
As of Friday, the TBI has received more than 1,200 tips across the country. He is six feet and about 200 pounds.
If you spot the vehicle and can verify the license plate to be TN 976-ZPT, call 911 immediately.
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