This developing story has been updated with new information.
A Virginia high school football coach who went missing in the middle of his team’s undefeated season last week is facing criminal charges related to child pornography and soliciting a minor, according to the Virginia State Police on Tuesday, Nov. 25.
Travis Turner, 46, is wanted by the Virginia State Police, who continue to search for the Union High School football coach and physical education teacher in Wise County, Virginia. Turner, a former college quarterback and Virginia Tech recruit, was officially named as a missing person on the Virginia State Police website on Sunday and listed as missing since Thursday. He had not been reported found as of 11 a.m. ET on Tuesday.
Union’s football team improved to 12-0 this past Saturday with an assistant coach serving in Turner’s place. Here’s what to know about the ongoing situation:
What are the charges against Travis Turner?
Turner is being charged with five counts of possession of child pornography and five counts of using a computer to solicit a minor, the Virginia State Police confirmed to USA TODAY.
Additional charges are pending, the agency said, and the case remained under investigation on Tuesday.
Officials asked anyone who may have information on the whereabouts of Turner to contact Virginia State Police Division 4 at 276-484-9483 or email questions@vsp.virginia.gov. Tips can be made anonymously.
What school superintendent said about Travis Turner
Wise County Public Schools Superintendent Mike Goforth on Tuesday, told USA TODAY the district was aware law enforcement had filed charges against ‘a staff member who has been on administrative leave.’
‘The individual remains on leave and is not permitted on school property or to have contact with students,’ Goforth, who would not name the employee, wrote in an email to USA TODAY on Tuesday. ‘The division will continue to cooperate with law enforcement as this process moves forward,’ Goforth wrote. ‘Because this is an active legal matter involving personnel, the division cannot comment further.’
How Travis Turner went missing
The Virginia State Police announcement that it was attempting to locate Turner came two days after local authorities revealed special agents from the Bureau of Criminal Investigation Wytheville Field Office were in the early stages of an investigation involving Turner.
‘Virginia State Police has utilized a number of assets, including search and rescue teams, drones and K-9s, to assist in the search, and hopefully, locate Turner safely,’ a Virginia State Police spokesperson told the New York Post late Monday.
Wise County Public Schools also stated on Friday that an employee within the district had been placed on administrative leave due to an ongoing investigation. It did not specify whether the employee is Turner or if the investigation is separate from the Bureau of Criminal Investigation case involving Turner.
Virginia State Police said Turner was last seen wearing a gray sweatshirt and sweatpants with glasses on.
Travis Turner’s wife deletes Facebook post
Travis Turner’s wife sent out a Facebook post about her missing husband on Friday night that has since been deleted, according to multiple reports.
‘I just wanted to get on here for a second to clear up something, as of right now, 10:25 PM on Friday night, Travis is missing, & that’s all we know,’ Leslie Turner wrote. ‘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 wins playoff game without Travis Turner
Union High School kept its undefeated season alive with a 12-0 win over Graham High School on Saturday to advance to Virginia’s Region 2D championship game. Union now has a 12-0 record for the season. Wise County Public Schools Superintendent Mike Goforth told News Channel 11 that assistant coach Jay Edwards handled coaching responsibilities during Saturday’s game.
The school is in Big Stone Gap in southwest Virginia about 35 miles northwest of Bristol, Tennessee near the Kentucky state line. Union is next scheduled to play Ridgeview High School on Saturday, Nov. 29.
