Topline: Virginia State Police are searching for Travis Turner, a high school football coach who vanished as agents opened a child sex abuse material probe.
Published: November 27, 2025 11:38 am ET
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Travis Turner (via Virginia State Police)
APPALACHIA, VA — A Virginia high school football coach who disappeared last week is now considered a fugitive, wanted on 10 felony warrants related to child sex abuse material.
Travis Turner, the Union High School football coach in Big Stone Gap, Va., has been missing since Nov. 20, 2025. Virginia State Police (VSP) said he disappeared the day agents went to his home during an investigation.
State police have obtained 10 warrants for Turner’s arrest, ABC News reported. The warrants include five counts of possession of child pornography and five counts of using a computer to solicit a minor. The VSP confirmed that Turner is now considered a fugitive.
According to WJHL, the investigation began early in November, when VSP special agents were directed to Travis Turner’s home in Wise County. Officials said the visit was part of the initial stages of the case and was not intended as an arrest.
On Nov. 20, agents en route to Turner’s home were told he was no longer there. His disappearance came as Union High School’s football team pursued an undefeated season, and Wise County Schools placed him on administrative leave.
Wise County Public Schools issued a statement after state police filed charges against Turner, according to WJHL. The division said the staff member, already on administrative leave, will remain on leave and is barred from school property or contact with students.
“Wise County Public Schools is aware that law enforcement has filed charges against a staff member who has been on administrative leave,” the statement began.
“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.”
State police said they are actively searching for Travis Turner, using search and rescue teams, drones and K9 units. The agency emphasized that its priority is finding him safely.
Turner is described as more than six feet tall, about 260 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a gray sweatshirt, sweatpants and glasses.
WCYB reported that additional charges are pending as the investigation continues. State police said the 10 warrants officially list him as a wanted person, and the case remains under investigation. The search is centered in Wise County, where Turner lives.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
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Virginia High School Coach Missing Amid Child Porn Investigation
Virginia State Police are searching for Travis Turner, a high school football coach who vanished as agents opened a child sex abuse material probe.
By Kate Byrd
Published: November 27, 2025 11:38 am ET
Travis Turner (via Virginia State Police)
APPALACHIA, VA — A Virginia high school football coach who disappeared last week is now considered a fugitive, wanted on 10 felony warrants related to child sex abuse material.
Travis Turner, the Union High School football coach in Big Stone Gap, Va., has been missing since Nov. 20, 2025. Virginia State Police (VSP) said he disappeared the day agents went to his home during an investigation.
State police have obtained 10 warrants for Turner’s arrest, ABC News reported. The warrants include five counts of possession of child pornography and five counts of using a computer to solicit a minor. The VSP confirmed that Turner is now considered a fugitive.
According to WJHL, the investigation began early in November, when VSP special agents were directed to Travis Turner’s home in Wise County. Officials said the visit was part of the initial stages of the case and was not intended as an arrest.
On Nov. 20, agents en route to Turner’s home were told he was no longer there. His disappearance came as Union High School’s football team pursued an undefeated season, and Wise County Schools placed him on administrative leave.
Wise County Public Schools issued a statement after state police filed charges against Turner, according to WJHL. The division said the staff member, already on administrative leave, will remain on leave and is barred from school property or contact with students.
“Wise County Public Schools is aware that law enforcement has filed charges against a staff member who has been on administrative leave,” the statement began.
“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.”
State police said they are actively searching for Travis Turner, using search and rescue teams, drones and K9 units. The agency emphasized that its priority is finding him safely.
Turner is described as more than six feet tall, about 260 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a gray sweatshirt, sweatpants and glasses.
WCYB reported that additional charges are pending as the investigation continues. State police said the 10 warrants officially list him as a wanted person, and the case remains under investigation. The search is centered in Wise County, where Turner lives.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor's Note: ThePo makes every effort to accurately transcribe the contents of affidavits of probable cause contained in criminal complaints. Often, the complaints themselves are copies of copies of faxed copies, and are difficult to read. To confirm the accuracy of our transcription, contact the Magisterial District Court listed above and request a copy of the criminal complaint. It's a public record to which you are entitled.
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Editor Picks
Latest Articles
Virginia High School Coach Missing Amid Child Porn Investigation
Virginia State Police are searching for Travis Turner, a high school football coach who vanished as agents opened a child sex abuse material probe.
By Kate Byrd
Published: November 27, 2025 11:38 am ET
Travis Turner (via Virginia State Police)
APPALACHIA, VA — A Virginia high school football coach who disappeared last week is now considered a fugitive, wanted on 10 felony warrants related to child sex abuse material.
Travis Turner, the Union High School football coach in Big Stone Gap, Va., has been missing since Nov. 20, 2025. Virginia State Police (VSP) said he disappeared the day agents went to his home during an investigation.
State police have obtained 10 warrants for Turner’s arrest, ABC News reported. The warrants include five counts of possession of child pornography and five counts of using a computer to solicit a minor. The VSP confirmed that Turner is now considered a fugitive.
According to WJHL, the investigation began early in November, when VSP special agents were directed to Travis Turner’s home in Wise County. Officials said the visit was part of the initial stages of the case and was not intended as an arrest.
On Nov. 20, agents en route to Turner’s home were told he was no longer there. His disappearance came as Union High School’s football team pursued an undefeated season, and Wise County Schools placed him on administrative leave.
Wise County Public Schools issued a statement after state police filed charges against Turner, according to WJHL. The division said the staff member, already on administrative leave, will remain on leave and is barred from school property or contact with students.
“Wise County Public Schools is aware that law enforcement has filed charges against a staff member who has been on administrative leave,” the statement began.
“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.”
State police said they are actively searching for Travis Turner, using search and rescue teams, drones and K9 units. The agency emphasized that its priority is finding him safely.
Turner is described as more than six feet tall, about 260 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a gray sweatshirt, sweatpants and glasses.
WCYB reported that additional charges are pending as the investigation continues. State police said the 10 warrants officially list him as a wanted person, and the case remains under investigation. The search is centered in Wise County, where Turner lives.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor's Note: ThePo makes every effort to accurately transcribe the contents of affidavits of probable cause contained in criminal complaints. Often, the complaints themselves are copies of copies of faxed copies, and are difficult to read. To confirm the accuracy of our transcription, contact the Magisterial District Court listed above and request a copy of the criminal complaint. It's a public record to which you are entitled.
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