The Virginia State Police have launched a manhunt for Union High School football coach Travis L. Turner, 46, who has been declared a fugitive following his disappearance from his home.
Authorities announced Tuesday that they have obtained 10 warrants, issued Monday, to charge Turner with five counts of possession of child pornography and five counts of using a computer to solicit a minor.
Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges are pending. Turner, who disappeared last week, is now considered a fugitive, the VSP said.
VIRGINIA HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL COACH GOES MISSING DURING TEAM'S UNDEFEATED SEASON
According to state police, Turner was first reported missing Friday, Nov. 21, one day after troopers went to his home in Appalachia, Virginia.
Special agents with the VSP Bureau of Criminal Investigation’s Wytheville Field Office were en route to the residence on Thursday as part of the early stages of an investigation, not to make an arrest, when they learned that Turner was no longer at the location.
Since his disappearance, police have deployed search and rescue teams, drones and K-9 units in an effort to locate him.
"Our main priority is locating Turner safely," the VSP said in a statement, noting that the search is ongoing across multiple jurisdictions.
Authorities are asking anyone with information on Turner’s whereabouts to contact Virginia State Police Division 4 at (276) 484-9483 or email questions@vsp.virginia.gov. Tips can be made anonymously.
Virginia State Police have launched a search for Union High football coach Travis Turner, whose disappearance has stunned the Big Stone Gap community. (Virginia State Police)
A recently surfaced video from the Union Sports Network’s Instagram feed is now believed to show Turner’s final public interview before his disappearance.
The interview was conducted on-field at Bullet Park in Big Stone Gap, Virginia, moments after Union’s 40–7 victory over Lehigh in the Region 2D quarterfinals on Nov. 15. Speaking with host B.J. Richardson, Turner praised his players’ resilience and senior leadership.
"I thought our kids adjusted, played hard and overcame some adversity," Turner said, noting that his team pushed through questionable penalties. "There was no panic. We just continued the course and played football."
At the time, Union High was undefeated and preparing to face defending state champion Graham High School in the following week’s playoff match-up.
"They’re super athletic, and we’ve played each other 15 or 16 times now," Turner added with a grin. "It’s going to be a battle, and our kids will be ready."
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