Virginia State Police (VSP) have escalated their search for Travis Turner, a 46-year-old high school football coach from Appalachia, Virginia, who has been missing since last week. Turner is now officially a fugitive, wanted on serious charges related to child exploitation. Authorities revealed on Tuesday that he faces allegations of possessing child sexual abuse material and using a computer to solicit a minor. The investigation began last Thursday when VSP visited Turner’s home, not to arrest him but as part of their inquiry. However, they discovered he was not present. Since then, law enforcement has deployed drones and search and rescue teams in an extensive effort to locate him. A VSP spokesperson emphasized that their primary goal is to find Turner safely, noting that there are now 10 active warrants for his arrest. Additional charges are expected to be filed as the investigation progresses. Turner, a physical education teacher and head football coach at Union High School in Wise County, has been placed on administrative leave by the school district. Mike Goforth, the division superintendent for Wise County Public Schools, confirmed that the employee in question is barred from school property and any contact with students. The school district has pledged full cooperation with law enforcement but refrained from further comment due to the ongoing legal proceedings. According to Virginia’s missing persons database, Turner was last seen wearing a gray sweatshirt, sweatpants, and glasses. Despite the turmoil surrounding their coach’s disappearance, the Union High School football team triumphed last weekend, advancing to the Virginia regional final and maintaining their undefeated 12-0 season.
High school football coach who vanished now faces child pornography charges
