[Artemis Webb]

Of course Elizabeth was complicit. She was obviously in love with her teacher. But she was also 15. He didn’t kidnap her, she went willingly. But that doesn’t excuse his act. Cummins is not only legally guilty he is morally guilty, he’s a slimeball.

[MeganC]

I agree.

[pnz1]

I have no knowledge of the situation other than what’s been reported, but it sounds like this girl may have had an unstable home life and the teacher capitalized/took advantage of that. Also sounds like his defense will be “she wanted to go” or “I was protecting her”

[Skooz]

Of course Elizabeth was complicit. She was obviously in love with her teacher. But she was also 15. He didn’t kidnap her, she went willingly. But that doesn’t excuse his act. Cummins is not only legally guilty he is morally guilty, he’s a slimeball.

Exactly. It seems that he fell in love with her, didn't have the moral wherewithal to stand down, and threw himself into this mess willingly being led by emotion. And that she is, if not in love (she could be), than very infatuated with him.

She's just a kid and regardless of her feelings bears no responsibility for this. He, on the other hand, should have known better and should have cut this off before his feelings for her became too strong.

He allowed himself to cross the point of no return and threw his life away in search of a dream.

[Mr. Lucky]

Well said.