Missing VA Football Coach Now Wanted On Child Porn, Solicitation Charges

WISE COUNTY, VA — A high school football coach in Virginia who has been missing since last week is now wanted on multiple charges, including child pornography possession and solicitation of a minor, state police said on Tuesday.

Travis Lee Turner, 46, of Appalachia, is wanted on 10 warrants, including five counts of possession of child pornography and five counts of using a computer to solicit a minor, according to Virginia State Police.

Turner, a physical education teacher and the head football coach at Union High School in Big Stone Gap, has been missing since Thursday. He is now considered a fugitive, police said.

"Police are actively searching for Turner," state police said. "Since his disappearance, VSP has utilized a number of assets, including search and rescue teams, drones and k9s, to assist in the search."

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According to police, agents were sent to Turner’s home in the town of Appalachia on Thursday as part of an investigation; however, authorities did not intend to arrest him. Police said once agents arrived, they learned he was no longer at the residence.

He was last seen entering the woods near his home, Sports Illustrated reported.

On Friday, school officials in Wise County confirmed an unnamed employee had been put on administrative leave because of an external investigation, reports said.

Turner disappeared amid a successful season for the Union High School football team. Despite Turner’s absence, the team continued its undefeated season last weekend, trouncing Graham 12-0 in its regional semifinal game Saturday and advancing to the regional final, according to Sports Illustrated.

Turner is 6 feet, 3 inches tall, weighs 260 pounds and was last seen wearing a gray sweatshirt, sweatpants and glasses, according to police.

Anyone who may have information on the whereabouts of Turner should contact Virginia State Police Division 4 at 276-484-9483 or email questions@vsp.virginia.gov. Tips can be made anonymously.