BIG STONE GAP, Va. (AP) — A Virginia high school football coach who disappeared days before his undefeated team’s playoff game is being sought on charges of possessing child sexual abuse material and using a computer to solicit a minor, Virginia State Police said Tuesday.
Police reported that Travis L. Turner, 46, of Appalachia, Virginia, is wanted on five counts of each charge, with additional charges pending as the investigation continues. Details surrounding the triggering events for these charges have not been disclosed.
Turner has been missing since last Thursday, when police visited his home as part of an investigation, not for an arrest but to discuss the matter. Upon arriving, police were informed that he had left, initiating a search that involved drones, dogs, and rescue teams.
An attempt to reach Turner for comments yielded no response, and there is currently no attorney on record representing him, according to the court.
As the head coach of Union High School, Turner led the team to a stellar season, culminating in 12 consecutive wins and a place in the regional finals scheduled for this Saturday.
Before coaching, Turner was a celebrated quarterback at Appalachia High School, which merged into Union in 2011. His father, Tom Turner, was his high school coach and was later inducted into the Virginia High School Hall of Fame.
Travis Turner was also part of Virginia Tech’s 1998 recruiting class and went on to play football at the University of Virginia Wise in 1999.
In the interim, defensive coordinator Jason Edwards has taken over coaching duties as the team prepares for the playoffs. While players seem reluctant to discuss Turner’s situation, senior running back Keith Chandler expressed the team's determination, stating that they would come together in the face of adversity.
Wise County Public Schools acknowledged the situation, confirming that a staff member is on administrative leave and cannot contact students or be present on school property due to the ongoing investigation.
Police reported that Travis L. Turner, 46, of Appalachia, Virginia, is wanted on five counts of each charge, with additional charges pending as the investigation continues. Details surrounding the triggering events for these charges have not been disclosed.
Turner has been missing since last Thursday, when police visited his home as part of an investigation, not for an arrest but to discuss the matter. Upon arriving, police were informed that he had left, initiating a search that involved drones, dogs, and rescue teams.
An attempt to reach Turner for comments yielded no response, and there is currently no attorney on record representing him, according to the court.
As the head coach of Union High School, Turner led the team to a stellar season, culminating in 12 consecutive wins and a place in the regional finals scheduled for this Saturday.
Before coaching, Turner was a celebrated quarterback at Appalachia High School, which merged into Union in 2011. His father, Tom Turner, was his high school coach and was later inducted into the Virginia High School Hall of Fame.
Travis Turner was also part of Virginia Tech’s 1998 recruiting class and went on to play football at the University of Virginia Wise in 1999.
In the interim, defensive coordinator Jason Edwards has taken over coaching duties as the team prepares for the playoffs. While players seem reluctant to discuss Turner’s situation, senior running back Keith Chandler expressed the team's determination, stating that they would come together in the face of adversity.
Wise County Public Schools acknowledged the situation, confirming that a staff member is on administrative leave and cannot contact students or be present on school property due to the ongoing investigation.
