A Virginia high school football coach, Travis L. Turner, has gone missing amid a child pornography investigation. Last seen on November 20, Turner, 46, left his home in Big Stone Gap and reportedly walked into a wooded area carrying a firearm, as indicated by the family’s attorney, Adrian Collins.
The family’s last communication with him was on the day he disappeared. They, along with friends, began searching the nearby woods, but sadly, bad weather complicated the effort. It wasn’t until the next day that Turner’s wife contacted local police to report him missing, although they informed her she needed to wait 24 hours to file an official report. She did so with the Virginia State Police the following day.
On November 25, five days after he was last seen, authorities announced they had secured ten warrants against Turner—five counts related to possession of child pornography and five additional counts for using a computer to solicit a minor. It’s worth noting that at the time of his disappearance, there were no arrest warrants issued against him.
Currently classified as a fugitive, Turner’s case is still under active investigation, and law enforcement has indicated that more charges may follow. Turner’s wife, Leslie, expressed disbelief regarding the accusations, stating, “He’s a good father and a good husband. We want him home. That’s all.” She seemed somewhat distressed, not knowing much about the circumstances.
The search for Turner has involved extensive efforts from the Virginia State Police, employing drones, K-9 units, and foot patrols in various areas across Wise County, where he was last seen sporting a gray sweatshirt, sweatpants, and glasses.
Anyone with information about his whereabouts is encouraged to reach out to Virginia State Police at (276) 228-3131.
