BIG STONE GAP, Va. — Travis L. Turner, 46, a football coach at Union High School in Appalachia, Virginia, is the subject of an ongoing search after disappearing days before his team's pivotal playoff game. Turner, who has led his team to an impressive 12-0 record this season, is wanted on charges for possessing child sexual abuse material and using a computer to solicit a minor. Virginia State Police confirmed Tuesday that warrants had been obtained for five counts of each charge against Turner.
Turner's whereabouts have been unknown since last Thursday when officers were dispatched to his home, intending to speak with him in relation to their investigation. Upon arrival, they learned he was not at home, leading to a collaborative search operation involving drones and rescue dogs. As the investigation continues, police maintain that additional charges may follow.
The school, now under the leadership of defensive coordinator Jason Edwards as interim head coach, is focused on their upcoming game in the regional finals. The situation has left players and staff grappling with emotional challenges, as evidenced by senior running back Keith Chandler's remarks about coming together as a team despite adversity.
Turner, a former quarterback who played at Appalachia High School before its merger with Union High School in 2011, has a legacy in the area, with deep ties through his father, who was a well-respected coach inducted into the Virginia High School Hall of Fame in 2005. As Turner faces these serious allegations, Wise County Public Schools has placed him on administrative leave, barring him from school property and interactions with students.
Turner's whereabouts have been unknown since last Thursday when officers were dispatched to his home, intending to speak with him in relation to their investigation. Upon arrival, they learned he was not at home, leading to a collaborative search operation involving drones and rescue dogs. As the investigation continues, police maintain that additional charges may follow.
The school, now under the leadership of defensive coordinator Jason Edwards as interim head coach, is focused on their upcoming game in the regional finals. The situation has left players and staff grappling with emotional challenges, as evidenced by senior running back Keith Chandler's remarks about coming together as a team despite adversity.
Turner, a former quarterback who played at Appalachia High School before its merger with Union High School in 2011, has a legacy in the area, with deep ties through his father, who was a well-respected coach inducted into the Virginia High School Hall of Fame in 2005. As Turner faces these serious allegations, Wise County Public Schools has placed him on administrative leave, barring him from school property and interactions with students.
