The disappearance of a Virginia high school football coach has taken a disturbing turn as police revealed he is under investigation for serious child exploitation crimes. Travis Turner, head coach of Union High School's undefeated football team in Big Stone Gap, has been missing since Thursday and is now wanted on multiple criminal charges.
Dark Turn in Missing Coach Case
During a police update on Tuesday, authorities disclosed that Travis Turner faces 10 arrest warrants - five counts of child pornography and five counts of using a computer to solicit a minor. The warrants were issued late Monday, though Turner had already been missing for several days at that point.
State police confirmed they are actively searching for the 46-year-old coach, who was last seen wearing a grey sweatshirt and sweatpants. Turner was officially listed as a missing person on Monday, though his wife, Leslie Caudill Turner, had reported him missing in a since-deleted Facebook post on Friday.
Police Investigation and Disappearance
The investigation took a crucial turn on Thursday night when officers were en route to Turner's residence. Police clarified that this was part of the early stages of their investigation and NOT intended as an arrest attempt. While officers were in transit, they received information that Turner was no longer at the location.
Search efforts have intensified with multiple law enforcement agencies participating. Jason Day of the Virginia State Police told News Channel 11 that drones, K-9 units, and bloodhounds have been deployed in the search. "We have had the drones up in the air looking, searching," Day said, noting that state police aviation was unable to fly due to weather conditions.
School District Response and Team's Reaction
On Friday, Wise County Public Schools - which oversees Union High School - placed an unidentified staff member on administrative leave with pay. While the district did not confirm the staff member's identity, the timing suggests it relates to Turner's case.
The school district stated that this is standard procedure and not a determination of wrongdoing. "This situation also involves an active law-enforcement matter, and the division cannot comment further," the district said in their statement.
Despite their coach's mysterious disappearance, the Union High football team continued their undefeated season with a 12-0 playoff victory against Graham High School on Friday. Assistant coach Jay Edwards guided the team as interim head coach, advancing them to the regional final with their perfect 11-0 regular season record intact.
In a poignant interview with Union Sports Network posted on Instagram just five days before his disappearance, Turner appeared upbeat about the upcoming playoff game. "It's going to be a battle here... and our kids be ready," Turner had said about facing Graham High School.
Turner has served as head coach at Union since 2011 and has twice been named Southwest Virginia Coach of the Year. As a player, he won three state championships from 1994-97, making him a respected figure in Virginia high school football circles.
The case continues to develop as search efforts expand and the community grapples with the serious allegations against the missing coach.
