Ronald Cummings Hires Attorney

March 19, 2009

PALATKA, FL -- The father of Haleigh Cummings has hired an attorney. The Law Office of Kimball & Snider in Palatka says it will represent Ronald Cummings on a pro bono basis.

The personal injury firm says it will help handle the media and Ronald Cummings' interests in matters involving a possible custody fight over his son.

READ: COMPLETE COVERAGE OF SEARCH FOR HALEIGH

Earlier this week, Haleigh's mother's attorney, Kim Picazio, met with investigators with the Department of Children and Families. She handed over information about life inside the Cummings family home that she had collected from family members and friends.

Picazio said she doesn't intend to help Crystal Sheffield file for custody of the children at this time, but she plans to wait until DCF finishes its investigation before filing any legal action for custody.

"The attorney and mother have appeared on national television to make unsubstantiated claims that Ronald Cummings sees as a 'cheap shot' and publicity stunt that detracts from the search for Haleigh," wrote Kimball & Snider in a statement released to the media.

"The mother was previously denied custody in court and allegations of abuse against Ronald were judicially dismissed."

The firm says Cummings is a victim, who "needs and deserves legal advice and assistance in his quest for the safe return of his daughter."

The firm won't represent Misty Croslin Cummings, Ronald's 17-year-old wife. She is the one who told investigators she put Haleigh to bed on the night of February 9. The 5-year-old girl hasn't been seen since.

Though Ronald Cummings stands by her, the firm "has decided it is best to only represent ronald and not Misty, because of their different respective legal positions." No one from the firm is available today to explain what "different respective legal positions" means.

In the statement the firm says it is conducting its own investigation into all "relevant matters" and will speak to the media when it's appropriate.

If you have any information on the case, call Crime Stoppers at 1-888-277-TIPS. You'll remain anonymous. The reward in the search for Haleigh is up to $35,000.