Smart

Missing Virginia High School Coach Now Wanted on Child-Pornography and Solicitation Charges; Manhunt Underway

01:46 PM, 11/26/2025

Missing Virginia High School Coach Now Wanted on Child-Pornography and Solicitation Charges; Manhunt Underway

Virginia State Police say 46-year-old Travis Turner, head football coach at Union High School, is missing and wanted on five counts of possession of child pornography and five counts of using a computer to solicit a minor. Ten warrants were obtained in connection with the case and Turner is being treated as a fugitive. Search-and-rescue teams, drones and police dogs are searching the Appalachia area. The coach’s family has issued a statement asking for privacy and urging that allegations be handled through legal channels.

Virginia State Police say 46-year-old Travis Turner, head football coach at Union High School, is missing and wanted on five counts of possession of child pornography and five counts of using a computer to solicit a minor. Ten warrants were obtained in connection with the case and Turner is being treated as a fugitive. Search-and-rescue teams, drones and police dogs are searching the Appalachia area. The coach’s family has issued a statement asking for privacy and urging that allegations be handled through legal channels.

Virginia State Police say 46-year-old Travis Turner, the head football coach at Union High School, is missing and is wanted on multiple criminal charges related to child pornography and solicitation.

Investigation and charges

State police announced that investigators obtained ten warrants Monday tied to five counts of possession of child pornography and five counts of using a computer to solicit a minor. Officials have not released specific details of the alleged conduct while the investigation remains active.

Search effort and status

Authorities learned last Thursday that Turner was missing while officers were en route to his home in Appalachia, a small town in western Virginia. Turner is now considered a fugitive and search teams continue to look for him. Law enforcement has deployed search-and-rescue personnel, drones and police dogs as part of the effort.

Turner was last seen wearing a gray sweatshirt, sweatpants and glasses. Officials have not disclosed exactly when or where he was last observed.

School response and team update

Wise County Public Schools confirmed that the staff member had been placed on administrative leave and is not permitted on school property or to have contact with students. Superintendent Mike Goforth said the district will cooperate with law enforcement as the inquiry continues.

Before his disappearance, Turner’s team was unbeaten and preparing for a playoff matchup. The team won that playoff game in his absence and advanced to the regional finals.

Family statement

“We remain prayerful for his safe return and for everyone affected by the circumstances surrounding his disappearance. We trust God to bring truth and clarity in His time. Any allegations should be addressed through the proper legal process — not through speculation or rumor.”

The family released the statement through their attorney, Adrian Collins, and asked for privacy.

Background

Local reporting indicates Turner grew up in the area, played high-school football at Appalachia High School and later at several colleges, and previously coached at nearby schools before becoming Union High School’s head coach. Authorities continue their search and have not released further details about the investigation.

Similar Articles

Trending

Missing Virginia High School Coach Now Wanted on Child-Pornography and Solicitation Charges; Manhunt Underway - CRBC News