Tad Cummins indicted on two charges by federal grand jury

A federal grand jury on Wednesday indicted Tad Cummins, a former Maury County teacher who left the state with a 15-year-old student, on two charges.

Cummins, 50, of Columbia, is charged with obstruction of justice and transporting a minor across state lines for the purpose of engaging in criminal sexual conduct, according to acting U.S. Attorney Jack Smith in Nashville.

The obstruction of justice charge is related to Cummins destroying his and the girl's cellphones, according to the indictment.

► More:Hearing reveals details of Cummins' cross-country flight with student

Cummins was initially charged in April, after he was arrested in northern California and weeks after he disappeared. The girl, Elizabeth Thomas, was found safe and returned to her family in Columbia.

His arrest last month marked the end of a nationwide manhunt. Cummins was returned to Tennessee on May 9 to face criminal charges.

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Reach Stacey Barchenger at 615-726-8968 or sbarchenger@tennessean.com or on Twitter @sbarchenger.