Virginia Football Coach Missing Amid Child Pornography Investigation

A Virginia high school football coach, Travis L. Turner, aged 46, has gone missing during an investigation into child pornography allegations. Recently, his profile was taken down from the school’s official website.

Authorities announced on Tuesday that they have secured 10 warrants against Turner, including five counts of possession of child pornography and five counts of using a computer to solicit a minor. The investigation is still active, and more charges could follow.

Turner was reported missing on Friday, November 21, after Virginia State Police attempted to visit his home in Appalachia to discuss the ongoing investigation. Officers had visited the day prior, but no arrests were made at that time.

A significant search effort has been launched across Wise County, employing drones and K-9 units. Turner was last seen wearing a gray sweatshirt, sweatpants, and glasses, according to reports from the Virginia Missing Persons Database.

In the wake of Turner’s disappearance, Union High School seems to have removed his online staff profile. Only his eldest son, who works as a physical education teacher, appears in searches for the family name on the school website.

A Wise County Public Schools spokesperson confirmed that an employee has been placed on administrative leave during an external review of the allegations; however, specific details about the involved individuals have not been disclosed.

Superintendent Mike Goforth mentioned in a statement that placing staff on paid administrative leave is standard procedure and does not imply any wrongdoing. An updated statement later confirmed that law enforcement had filed charges against the employee already on leave.

In a related note, it’s worth mentioning that the high school community has faced previous challenges. In 2023, another coach from the same school was sentenced to prison for indecency with a minor. There seems to be a troubling pattern, which adds to the community’s distress.

Meanwhile, Turner’s wife, Leslie Caudill Turner, has come forward to defend him against the accusations. She emphasized her belief in his character, stating, “None of that is true. He’s a good father and a good husband. We want him home.”

As authorities continue their search and investigation, anyone with information about Turner’s whereabouts is urged to contact Virginia State Police at (276) 228-3131.