A Virginia high school football coach wanted on child pornography charges remains at large, now more than a month after he went missing when he wandered into the Appalachian forest.
Travis Turner’s family said it was normal for him to go for walks in the woods, but his venture on Nov. 20 saw him bring only a firearm, leaving behind his wallet, keys, glasses and medication he needs to take daily.
Days after Mr. Turner’s family filed a missing persons report, Virginia State Police said the 46-year-old was wanted on charges of child pornography and using a computer to solicit a minor.
Authorities said they are still treating the investigation as if Mr. Turner is alive, despite no traces of him among the trees and brush.
“This remains an open and active investigation, and the search for Turner is ongoing with the assistance of the FBI and U.S. Marshals Service,” a VSP spokeswoman said. “We continue to ask for the public’s assistance in providing any information that may lead to his whereabouts.”
State police said search and rescue teams, dogs and drones have scoured the forest near his home in Wise County following his disappearance to no avail.
The marshals offered a $5,000 reward for any information on Mr. Turner. Court documents detailing the nature of his alleged crimes are sealed.
Adrian Collins, an attorney representing Mr. Turner’s family, said his wife and relatives have fully cooperated with law enforcement as the search exceeds 40 days.
The lawyer said the family has consented to law enforcement probes of their home and properties on several occasions.
Mr. Collins stressed that Leslie Turner didn’t help her husband escape justice, as criminal charges were not brought against Mr. Turner until the search was ongoing for nearly a week.
“If Travis has the ability and is able to respond to his family’s wishes, your wife and children are in distress. Leslie pleads for you to come home and face the allegations by defending yourself in a court of law,” Mr. Collins said in a statement on behalf of the family. “Don’t leave your family to fight this battle without you. They love and miss you. They want you to know they are your support.”
Mr. Turner was working as a physical education teacher at Union High School when he vanished. Wise County Public Schools have since placed him on administrative leave and barred him from coming on school grounds or interacting with students.
The coach was at the helm of an undefeated season for Union High’s football team when he went missing.
The school, based in Big Stone Gap, won the regional title shortly after Mr. Turner’s disappearance made national headlines.
The Bears were vying for Virginia’s Class 2 state crown but lost a heartbreaker Dec. 6 in the semifinals.
“This game, it doesn’t define you; this season defines you. I’m so proud of you,” interim head coach Jay Edwards told the team after the 21-20 loss. “I love you deep down from the bottom of my heart. I hope the coaching staff does; this community does.”
