Teacher accused of kidnapping teen in court in Tennessee

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- A teacher charged with kidnapping a 15-year-old student and taking her to California is back home in Tennessee, facing charges that could leave him in prison for life.

Tad Cummins appeared in a federal courtroom in Nashville on Tuesday to face an additional charge of bringing a minor across state lines for sex.

The 50-year-old health science teacher was shackled with leg irons and wearing a striped jail jumpsuit when he entered the courtroom.

The missing Tennessee teen who was allegedly kidnapped by her former teacher was found in an isolated cabin in northern California.

He smiled at relatives who came to watch.

A federal magistrate judge told Cummins he faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison and could get life.

Cummins replied softly, answering that he understood.

Federal prosecutors want him held pending trial. The judge scheduled a detention hearing for Friday.

Authorities: Tennessee student, teacher found in Ca. Erielle Reshef reports during Action News at 5:30 p.m. on April 20.

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