Expert: How young people like Elizabeth Thomas fall prey to predators
Federal officials transported Tad Cummins toSacramento on Friday, a day after authorities found the 50-year-old ex-teacher and 15-year-old Elizabeth Thomas in a remote cabin in northern California.
Cummins, accused of kidnapping Elizabeth, faces a federal charge of knowingly transporting a minor in interstate commerce with the intent to engage in sexual activity. Elizabeth returned to Tennessee and was reunited with her family Friday, having spent Thursday with law enforcement.
Neither Elizabeth or Cummins have spoken publicly since they were found Thursday.
Law enforcement officials have not released any evidence to indicate Cummins physically dragged Elizabeth away from her Columbia, Tenn., home or restrained her during the 39 days police believe they spent together.
But that doesn't mean the teacher didn't prey on his student, said Dr. Rebecca Bailey.
"You have a very vulnerable young lady who perhaps did not have adequate coping skills, who was taken advantage of by a predator," said Bailey, a psychologist in California since 1991 and consultant for the National Center For Missing and Exploited Children.
'We need to look at the grooming'
Each case of sexual exploitation and kidnapping is different. But there is one commonality: They tend to have a person who uses a coercive factor to force or lure away a child, Bailey said.
When someone breaks into a home and takes a child — an exceedingly rare occurrence, according to the NCMEC — that person relies on fears and threats. In a case where an adult authority figure runs away with a student, Bailey says there is typically a grooming that occurs.
"Grooming is often a slow and steady coercive process. The message that, 'I am the only one that can understand you, emotions are here, come be with me and I’ll save you from the terrible, ugly world,'" Bailey explained.
"Typically the victim of a kidnapping does not fall in love with a perpetrator. They adapt to the circumstances to survive. To those who say, 'Look, she was in love and went willingly,' we need to look at the grooming process."
Elizabeth attended Bible study with Cummins and his wife, records show. When Cummins was initially confronted about possible inappropriate contact, FBI documents state he denied any wrongdoing but described himself as a father figure to Elizabeth.
Related:
► Tad Cummins arrested, Elizabeth Thomas found safe in northern California
► 5 things we know about Tad Cummins
► Timeline shows troubling events before Elizabeth Thomas' disappearance
► Vanished: Learn more about Tennessee's missing children
Elizabeth also had issues at home. Maury County court records show her mother was arrested in 2016 for allegedly abusing Elizabeth and four of her siblings. Bailey says these kind of problems create an opportunity for a vulnerable child to become a victim.
"The problem is, when you have relationships with older guys like this … the element of choice for the youngster just isn’t there," Bailey said, noting a person's brain doesn't fully develop until they are in their 20s.
"Their (lack of) critical thinking increases their capacity to be exploited."
Coming back from outer space
Bailey has worked with many young women who were taken advantage of by a coach or other authority figure. Based on those cases, she expects Elizabeth may be confused and have conflicting emotions. Authorities in California say the FBI spoke with Elizabeth on Thursday.
There is a healing process that needs to take place now, both with professional counseling and familial understanding, Bailey said. She likened what Elizabeth is going through to coming back into the Earth's atmosphere from outer space.
"The impact long-term is the issue too," Bailey said, saying Elizabeth may have some challenges in the future with friendships and other aspects of trying to engage in a relatively normal life.
"She deserves compassion, 100 percent compassion."
Through their attorney, Elizabeth's family confirmed she is "in a safe location with family and friends" after arriving back in Tennessee on Friday afternoon.
"She is being evaluated and treated by mental health experts specializing in trauma," read a statement from the family. "There is no doubt that she suffered severe emotional trauma and that her process of recovery is only just beginning."
Reach Dave Boucher at dboucher@tennessean.com, 615-259-8892 and on Twitter @Dave_Boucher1.
Read more about the Amber Alert case:
Tad Cummins arrested, Elizabeth Thomas found safe in northern California
Tad Cummins threatened teen with 'repercussions' before kidnapping, court papers say
Elizabeth Thomas' dad pleads for her return at Columbia tree planting
TBI: Tad Cummins searched 'teen marriage' on internet before kidnapping
Tad Cummins' wife files for divorce amidst Elizabeth Thomas Amber Alert
Teaching was dream job for kidnapping suspect Tad Cummins
TBI: Elizabeth Thomas, Tad Cummins were spotted in Oklahoma
TBI: Tad Cummins added to 10 most wanted list as search for Columbia teen continues
Videos: The search for Elizabeth Thomas and Tad Cummins