The Virginia State Police have launched a multi-jurisdictional manhunt for Union High School football coach Travis L. Turner, 46, who has been declared a fugitive after disappearing from his home last week. Turner is now wanted on 10 felony charges — five counts of possession of child pornography and five counts of using a computer to solicit a minor. All charges were filed on Monday, according to authorities.
Turner was first reported missing on Friday, November 21, just one day after state troopers arrived at his residence in Appalachia, Virginia. The Virginia State Police (VSP) say the visit was part of the early stages of an investigation and not for the purpose of making an arrest. However, when law enforcement reached the home, Turner was no longer there.
Since then, authorities have deployed multiple search and rescue teams, drones, and K-9 units in efforts to locate the missing coach. The search remains active across multiple counties, according to officials with the VSP Bureau of Criminal Investigation’s Wytheville Field Office.
In a public statement, the VSP said, “Our main priority is locating Turner safely,” and urged the public to report any information about his whereabouts. Tips can be provided anonymously by calling Virginia State Police Division 4 at (276) 484-9483 or emailing [email protected].
#BREAKING: Missing football coach Travis Turner is now a fugitive. He is wanted on 5 counts of possession of CSAM and 5 counts of using computer to solicit a minor. @LawCrimeNetwork pic.twitter.com/vgm1DYPeKc
— Chris Stewart (@CStewartNews) November 25, 2025
Turner’s wife, Leslie Caudill Turner, spoke out after the charges were announced. In an interview with the Daily Mail, she said, “None of that is true. He’s a good dad and a good husband, and we want him home. That’s it.” She added that the family is trying to stay strong until more information is available.
Just days before his disappearance, Turner appeared in what is now believed to be his final public interview. The video, shared by the Union Sports Network on Instagram, was filmed after Union High School’s 40–7 victory over Lehigh in the Region 2D quarterfinals on November 15. Turner appeared upbeat, praising his players for their performance and focus.
“I thought our kids adjusted, played hard, and overcame some adversity,” he said. “There was no panic. We just continued the course and played football.” Turner also spoke about the team’s upcoming match-up with Graham High School, saying, “It’s going to be a battle, and our kids will be ready.”
At the time of the interview, Union High School was undefeated and looking ahead to a major playoff game. The team’s success under Turner had made him a well-known figure in Wise County and surrounding areas.
Following his disappearance, Wise County Public Schools issued a statement confirming that a staff member had been placed on paid administrative leave while an external agency reviewed an allegation. At the time, the district did not name the individual or specify whether the case involved Turner. However, after charges were formally filed, the school division acknowledged that the employee on leave is the same individual now facing charges.
MANHUNT UNDERWAY: Virginia State Police are urgently searching for missing Union High football coach Travis L. Turner, who is now facing 10 child-exploitation charges.
Authorities say they have obtained 10 warrants to charge Turner with 5 counts of possession of child… pic.twitter.com/xffXsg0t6O
— Fox News (@FoxNews) November 25, 2025
Superintendent Dr. Mike Goforth stated, “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.”
Turner’s family has asked the public for prayers and support. In a now-deleted Facebook post, Leslie Turner said, “We love him and need him here with us. Just keep praying that he comes home.”
Turner comes from a well-known football family in Virginia. His late father, Tom Turner, coached at Apalachee High School for over two decades and won five state championships before passing away in 2006. Travis followed in his father’s footsteps, becoming a respected coach and mentor to student-athletes in the area.
The Virginia State Police have indicated that more charges may be pending as the investigation continues.
