A missing Virginia high school football coach now faces child pornography and solicitation of a minor charges.
Travis Turner, 46, has been missing since Thursday night. Police were on their way to interview Turner when he left home and disappeared. He has not been seen since.
The Union High School head football coach now faces five counts of child pornography and five counts of solicitation of a minor, WCYB-5 reported. The charges come as the 12-0 football team he once led continues to advance in the state playoffs.
Last week, Wise County Public Schools announced that an unidentified staff member had been placed on administrative leave. On Tuesday, school officials released another statement to WCYB-5.
"Wise County Public Schools is aware that law enforcement has filed charges against a staff member who has been on administrative leave. 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," the statement read.
Turner was added to the Virginia missing person database. It states that he was last seen wearing a gray sweatshirt, sweatpants, and glasses.
Turner began coaching at Union High in 2011. While the state police searched for the coach over the weekend, the football team continued its undefeated season, extending its record to 12-0 and advancing in the state playoffs.
"I speak today on behalf of Coach Turner's family," Attorney Adrian Collins told WCYB-5. "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. We ask the public and media to show compassion, accuracy, and respect for the family's privacy. No questions will be taken."
