A high school football coach in Virginia is currently missing and is being sought by authorities on charges related to child sexual abuse material and soliciting a minor. According to the Virginia State Police, **Travis L. Turner**, 46, from **Appalachia, Virginia**, has outstanding warrants for five counts of each charge, with further charges anticipated as the investigation progresses.
Turner has been unaccounted for since **March 7, 2024**, just days before his team, the Union High School Bears, was scheduled to play in a regional playoff game following an impressive 12-game winning streak. The police were initially dispatched to his residence not to arrest him but to engage in discussions concerning the investigation. Upon arrival, officers learned that Turner was not present.
The search efforts for Turner have incorporated various resources, including drones, search dogs, and rescue teams, according to police reports. As of now, a request for comment has been made at a phone number linked to Turner, but no response has been received. Additionally, no attorney has been listed for him in court records.
School and Community Response
Turner serves as the football coach at **Union High School**, located in **Wise County**, Virginia. The school district has acknowledged the situation, with division superintendent **Mike Goforth** stating in an emailed response that the district is aware of the allegations against a staff member who has been placed on administrative leave. He noted that the individual is prohibited from being on school property or having any contact with students.
Goforth did not disclose specific details regarding when or why Turner was placed on leave, citing the ongoing legal matter as the reason for limited comments. The community now faces uncertainty as they prepare for the upcoming playoff game without their coach, whose absence raises significant concerns.
As the investigation continues, state police are urging anyone with information about Turner’s whereabouts to come forward. The case remains active, and further updates are anticipated as authorities work to resolve the situation.
