Missing Union High School Football Coach Travis Turner Wanted for Child Sex Images as Search Turns Into Manhunt

Virginia authorities announced Tuesday that missing Union High School head football coach Travis Turner is wanted on multiple charges related to child pornography and solicitation of a minor.

The 46-year-old married father was reported missing Thursday in Appalachia, Wise County, after officers attempted to question him as part of an early-stage investigation. Before police could reach Turner’s residence, he was no longer at home. At the time, Virginia State Police emphasized that officers were not attempting to arrest Turner immediately, but were seeking to question him regarding allegations that were publicly disclosed on Tuesday.

State police confirmed that Turner is wanted on five counts of child pornography and five counts of using a computer to solicit a minor. Ten arrest warrants were issued late Monday. “Police are actively searching for Turner,” officials said, without elaborating further on the nature of the allegations.

 

Authorities are asking anyone with information about Turner’s whereabouts to contact Division 4 at 276-484-9483 or email [email protected]. A spokesman for Wise County Public Schools said the district is aware of the charges but declined further comment without naming Turner.

The ongoing search for Turner has developed into a manhunt. He was last seen entering the woods near his home wearing a grey sweatshirt, grey sweatpants, and glasses. Despite concerns over his disappearance, Union High School’s football team defeated Graham 12-0 on Saturday to advance to the Region 2D title game against Ridgeview.

In a now-deleted Facebook post, Turner’s wife, Leslie, said on Friday night:

“As of right now, 10:25 PM on Friday night, Travis is missing, & that’s all we know.
We love him & need him here with us. Thank you to everyone who has reached out with love & support. It means more than you know. Just keep praying that he comes home.”

Union High School officials also confirmed that an unidentified employee was placed on administrative leave as part of an external investigation, though it is unclear if this suspension is connected to Turner’s disappearance.

Turner’s sudden disappearance follows an undefeated season for Union, with the team ranked among the top in the state in their division. The Bears will face Ridgeview in the Region 2D title game, after previously defeating the Wolfpack 42-21 on October 9.

Union High School, located in far southwest Virginia, serves nearly 660 students and sits approximately 170 miles west of Virginia Tech in Blacksburg and 140 miles northeast of the University of Tennessee in Knoxville.