Updated February 19, 2019

A former Maury County teacher, who was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison, could face state charges in the case.

Tad Cummins, a former Culleoka school teacher, became the subject of a nationwide search by law enforcement after leaving the Columbia area on March 13, 2017.

He pleaded guilty to federal charges and was sentenced in January.

Since then, District Attorney Brent Cooper has spoken with the young victim and intends to now pursue state charges against Cummins for kidnapping and possibly other crimes.

A conviction could mean that Cummins will end up spending even more time behind bars.