Child pornography warrants issued for missing high school coach, authorities say

WISE COUNTY, Va. (WDBJ/WVVA/Gray News) – Officers with Virginia State Police have obtained 10 warrants for a high school football coach who mysteriously went missing during an undefeated season for his team.

According to the Virginia State Police, Union High School head football coach Travis Turner was officially listed as a missing person Sunday after he was last seen on Nov. 20.

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Turner is now wanted on five counts of possession of child pornography and five counts of using a computer to solicit a minor. Police said additional charges are pending.

Police have continued searching for Turner, saying since his disappearance, VSP has used search and rescue teams, drones and K-9s to assist in the search. VSP said that while the priority is finding Turner safely, he is now considered a fugitive.

Special agents were sent to Turner’s home in Appalachia last week as part of the early stages of an investigation. Police said the visit was not for an arrest, but to look into a complaint.

While on their way, the agents were told Turner was no longer at his home. He was last seen wearing a gray sweatshirt, gray sweatpants and glasses.

Due to his sudden disappearance on Thursday, he was not in attendance for his team’s playoff game on Saturday, which they won.

Wise County Schools placed a staff member on administrative leave with pay today while an external agency reviews an allegation.

VSP is asking 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.