Virginia High School Football Coach Declared Fugitive After Child Pornography Charges
Virginia State Police have launched a manhunt for Union High School football coach Travis L. Turner, 46, who has been declared a fugitive following his disappearance from his home and the issuance of 10 warrants charging him with five counts of possession of child pornography and five counts of using a computer to solicit a minor.
Authorities announced that the investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges are pending. Turner, who disappeared last week, is now considered a fugitive. Police have deployed search and rescue teams, drones, and K-9 units to locate him, with the primary priority being his safe return.
Turner’s wife, Leslie Caudill Turner, responded to the charges, stating that ‘none of that is true,’ and emphasized that he is a good father and husband who needs to be home. She expressed that they are ‘just hanging in there’ until news of his whereabouts is known.
Authorities are urging anyone with information on Turner’s location to contact Virginia State Police Division 4 at 276-484-9483 or email [email protected]. Tips can be provided anonymously.
A recently surfaced video from the Union Sports Network’s Instagram feed is believed to be Turner’s final public interview before his disappearance. The video shows him speaking with host B.J. Richardson at Bullet Park, moments after Union’s 40-7 victory over Lehigh in the Region 2D quarterfinals on Nov. 15. Turner praised his players’ resilience and leadership, expressing confidence in their upcoming playoff match against defending state champion Graham High School.
The disappearance has left the rural Virginia community reeling, with Wise County Public Schools confirming a staff member was placed on paid administrative leave pending review of an external allegation, though they did not identify the employee. Superintendent Dr. Mike Goforth stated that the individual remains on leave and is not permitted on school property or to have contact with students. The division will continue to cooperate with law enforcement as the process moves forward.
Turner comes from a long-established football family. His late father, Tom Turner, coached at Apalachee High School and led his teams to five state championships during his 26-year career before his death in 2006.