Southern Oregon Couple Charged for Witness Tampering in Sex Abuse Investigation

Gardiner, Oregon– A Gardiner couple, Eric and Tabitha Cumming, have been charged with tampering with a witness in an ongoing investigation involving serious allegations against Eric Cumming. According to the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, both individuals conspired to influence a juvenile victim into changing her statement regarding sexual abuse allegations against Eric Cumming.

The investigation began on August 17, 2024, when deputies responded to a disturbance in the 70000-block of Highway 101 in Gardiner. While no crime was found related to the disturbance, deputies learned that a juvenile had previously reported being a victim of sexual assault by Eric Cumming, 36, who is known to the victim. Following further investigation, deputies developed probable cause to arrest Cumming. He was taken into custody and lodged in the Douglas County Jail on 10 counts of Unlawful Sexual Penetration in the First Degree and 10 counts of Sexual Abuse in the First Degree.

On September 9, 2024, detectives became aware of an attempt by Eric and his wife, Tabitha Cumming, 38, to interfere with the case. Detectives determined that while in custody, Eric communicated with his wife through letters, in which they discussed having Tabitha persuade the juvenile victim to change her story.

Lt. Kelley Bean of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Tabitha had contacted the District Attorney’s Office, falsely claiming that the juvenile had recanted her initial testimony. After further investigation, detectives confirmed that the couple had made efforts to tamper with the witness.

As a result, both Eric and Tabitha Cumming were charged with Tampering with a Witness, a Class C felony. Tabitha was arrested and lodged in the Douglas County Jail, where Eric is also being held on the original charges of sexual assault.

The case remains under investigation by local authorities.