Tad Cummins defense against federal charges of taking a minor across state lines for illegal sex is that his former student Elizabeth Thomas wanted to go with him on a cross-country trip. The ex-Tennessee teacher entered a not guilty plea this week in a court filing, avoiding a formal hearing set for Thursday.

Also read: Tad Cummins pleads ‘not guilty’ to federal kidnapping charges

Cummins, arrested in northern California seven weeks after he disappeared with the 9th grader, also faces state kidnapping charges.

Also read: Vili Fualaau split ups up with former teacher and wife, Mary Kay Letourneau, who raped him as a young boy

In this “Crime Stories” episode, Nancy Grace and Alan Duke look at Cummins case, as well as news that former Seattle teacher, Mary Kay Letourneau, has split from the student she married after spending 7 years in prison for her illicit relationship with the 6th grader. Vili Fualaau, who has two children with Letourneau, filed for a legal separation after nearly 12 years of marriage.

[Feature Photo: Photo Handout]