Teen Abducted By Teacher Is Acting Like Different Person; Family At A Loss

She Was Bullied and Vulnerable

One of the reasons why Elizabeth felt connected to Cummins was because she was interested in the medical field, and he acted as a mentor. Her sister Sarah explained, “It just so happened that she wanted to do the things he was claiming [he did], so she probably idolized [him].”

In addition, Elizabeth was very vulnerable at the point in her life. She had been homeschooled until eighth grade and was bullied the previous year after entering the public school system. Cummins took advantage of Elizabeth’s fragile state of mind and preyed on the young girl, who was easy to manipulate and control.

A Father’s Intuition

Anthony Thomas, Elizabeth’s father, told People that Cummins “built up a system where she was dependent on him.” Not only did Cummins help Elizabeth with homework, he also went above and beyond what most teachers do with their students. He gave Elizabeth money and bought her a microwave so she could heat up food in his classroom. He also tried to “get her out of trouble,” noted Anthony.

When Elizabeth’s father found out about the kissing incident, he confronted his daughter about it. She denied it ever happened. Anthony insisted that Elizabeth not have any more contact with Cummins.