Travis Turner, a 46‑year‑old football coach, was still receiving his salary from the Virginia high‑school district even after he ran away from police who were coming to question him about possible child‑sex‑crime allegations.
The disturbing update also revealed that Turner taught at Union High School in Big Stone Gap, giving him regular access to the entire student body.
By Monday, Turner was on “paid administrative leave,” at least four days after he fled town while detectives were on the way to confront him over claims that he possessed child pornography and had tried to engage in sexual activity with a minor.
How long he had been on leave is unclear, but the Wise County Public Schools announced on Monday that the action was triggered by an “allegation that was reported to the division.” In other words, the district was aware that serious accusations had been made against its top football coach, even as he disappeared amid a police investigation.
Turner, who has been a local celebrity in the football‑enthusiast community of Big Stone Gap, just vanished with no trace, and investigators have yet to release detailed information about the case or the search for him.
The exact charges remain vague, and because no official statement has been issued, locals have begun to whisper that rumors of Turner’s misconduct might have simmered for years.
Turner was not only a coach; he also taught physical education at the school, which has about 600 students. Most coaches are required to also teach, so he had daily, regular contact with kids from all grades.
His family has vehemently denied the allegations, describing him as a devoted family man who just wants to be safely back home.
Virginia State Police announced Turner’s charges late Monday, after it was confirmed he was on paid leave. The district later updated its statement to say it was concerning “a staff member who has been on administrative leave.”
The fact that he was at the center of a serious investigation was public knowledge by Saturday—two days after he’d gone missing and two days after the school said he was on paid leave.
“The individual remains on leave and is not permitted on school property or to have contact with students,” the district reiterated on Tuesday, refusing to say whether he would continue to be paid.
Wise County also declined to give a timeline for when it learned of the allegations, the nature of the investigation, or the details surrounding his escape.
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