A Virginia high school football coach who disappeared last week as his team prepared for a playoff game is now considered a fugitive.
Virginia State Police have issued 10 arrest warrants for Appalachian resident Travis Lee Turner, head football coach at Union High in Big Stone Gap, Virginia. Turner, 46, is wanted on five counts of possession of child pornography and five counts of using a computer to solicit a minor.
The investigation continues says the police statementand additional fees are expected.
“Police are actively searching for Turner,” the department also said. “Since his disappearance, VSP has deployed a number of assets, including search and rescue teams, drones and K9s, to assist in the search. VSP's top priority is the safe location of Turner; he is now considered a fugitive.”
On Nov. 20, special agents from the Bureau of Criminal Investigation's Wytheville field office were dispatched to Turner's home “as part of the early stages of the investigation,” Virginia State Police said in a statement.
“This was part of the investigation, not his arrest,” the department added. “During transport, agents were advised that Turner was no longer at the location.”
Turner was last seen wearing a gray sweatshirt, sweatpants and glasses. He has been coaching Union since 2011. Two days after Turner disappeared, the Bears improved to 12–0 with a win in the regional semifinal game.
“Wise County Public Schools is aware that law enforcement has filed charges against an employee who was on administrative leave,” Mike Goforth, superintendent of the Wise County Public Schools Division, said in a statement emailed to The Times.
“The individual remains on leave and is not permitted to be on school property or have any contact with students. The department will continue to cooperate with law enforcement as this process moves forward. Because this is an active legal matter involving personnel, the department cannot comment further.”
