New Head Football Coach for Virginia High School Amid Investigation
A high school in Virginia has appointed a new head football coach following the disappearance of former coach Travis Turner, who is currently under investigation for child sex crimes. Reports confirm that Union High School in Big Stone Gap announced Jamie Harless as the new head coach for the Union Bears on Tuesday.
Harless has a noteworthy record, having secured 134 wins during his 14 years at Lord Botetourt High School in Daleville. There, he achieved four regional championships and three state runner-up titles.
This change comes after Turner was officially dismissed from his position in February. His disappearance began on November 20 when he went into a wooded area with a firearm. Police had initially tried to question him at home as part of a child sex crimes inquiry, which later revealed serious allegations against him, including child pornography charges and solicitation of minors.
Details surrounding Turner’s case are troubling. Allegedly, he had engaged in explicit texting with a 16-year-old student, resulting in a three-month exchange of inappropriate images. A family source highlighted the gravity of the situation.
Turner apparently vanished right after the accusations surfaced, reportedly after overhearing the girl discussing the matter in a library. The student, as a result of the ordeal, has been described as being in a “very depressed state” and is reportedly facing bullying at school.
Months have passed without any credible sightings of the 46-year-old, who is a father to three children. Captain J. Daniels from the Virginia State Police’s Criminal Investigation Division mentioned that the case is being actively worked on, noting the dual aspects of the investigation: the criminal case and the ongoing search.
“We’re reviewing all leads as they come in, but unfortunately, many have turned out to be unsubstantiated,” he remarked. There’s a sense of urgency, as he emphasized that someone must have information that could help locate Turner.
Meanwhile, Turner’s family has previously asserted that they believe in his innocence.
