Missing high school coach Travis Turner was being investigated for child porn and soliciting a minor, police reveal
Missing high school football coach Travis Turner was under investigation for child pornography and soliciting a minor at the time he disappeared — and authorities say he vanished just as officers were on their way to his home.
Turner, a 46-year-old married father, has been listed as missing ever since last Thursday, when police headed to his residence in Appalachia, Va. Officials initially did not disclose what the investigation involved.
On Tuesday, authorities confirmed that the Union High School head “grid” coach from Big Stone Gap is wanted on five counts of child pornography and five additional counts for allegedly using a computer to solicit a minor.
“Police are actively searching for Turner,” state police said in an update, offering no further details about the accusations.
The strange case began late last week when Turner — who appears to be a father of three — was added to the Virginia State Police missing persons database during the team’s undefeated season.
According to investigators, they were on their way to his home during the “early stages of an investigation” when he suddenly vanished.
“This was part of the investigation, and not to arrest him. While in transit, the agents were informed that Turner was no longer at the location,” police said.
A now-deleted Facebook post obtained by News Channel 11 showed that Turner’s wife, Leslie Caudill Turner, announced Friday that her husband was missing — saying that was all the family knew.
“We love him and need him here with us,” she wrote. “Just keep praying that he comes home.”
The mystery deepened when Wise County Public Schools — which oversees Union High — confirmed that a district employee had been placed on administrative leave.
“Wise County Public Schools is aware that law enforcement has filed charges against a staff member who has been on administrative leave,” a spokesperson said.
“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 this process moves forward. Because this is an active legal matter involving personnel, the division cannot comment further.”
As the search continues, authorities say they are using drones and K-9 units to track down the missing coach and are urging anyone with information to come forward.
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