A reported victim of Travis Turner, the former football coach at Union High School in Big Gap, Virginia, has shared her distressing experience, revealing she was manipulated into feeling like she was “the problem” during the alleged grooming process.
As previously covered by CrimeOnline, Turner is currently facing serious charges, including five counts of soliciting a minor through digital means and possessing child pornography.
In a poignant letter read aloud by Wise County resident Stephen Murray at a school board meeting, the victim expressed, “I am a victim of exploitation by a teacher in this county. Fortunately, under different leadership, my case was addressed promptly and professionally, with immediate notification to the proper authorities,” according to reporting by Kingsport Times News.
Murray presented this letter during the Wise County School Board meeting, raising concerns about the handling of the case.
Additionally, he read a list naming Wise County school staff who have faced sexual misconduct charges since 2020, emphasizing the gravity of the issue.
“These are just the reported and charged cases,” Murray declared. “Such widespread abuse indicates it’s not merely a few bad individuals but a broader cultural issue. As the saying goes, the fish rots from the head down.”
- Dalton Bates (2020): Central High School (band director)
- Timothy Lee Meador (2023): Union High School
- Tyler J. Tibbs (2025): Coeburn Middle School
“This is just the cases that have been reported and charged,” Murray stated. “When there is this much abuse, it’s not just a few bad apples. It is a culture. The fish rots from the head down.”
Another resident, Page Wagner, said Turner’s alleged victim was questioned by the Union High School principal without notifying her parents or police.
Others in attendance complained about the school board’s lack of transparency.
Prior to the meeting, School Superintendent Mike Goforth declined to say whether Turner was still employed at the school.
Meanwhile, the search for Turner continues.
Turner left into a wooded area near the residence in Appalachia, on November 20, shortly before authorities arrived at his home for questioning.
The U.S. Marshals Service is offering a “reward of up to $5,000 for information” that leads to his whereabouts.
Turner has since been removed from the staff member website at the high school.
Anyone with information on his whereabouts is urged to contact Virginia State Police Division 4 at 276-484-9483 or send an email questions@vsp.virginia.gov. Tipsters can remain anonymous.
Check back for updates.
[Feature Photo via Instagram]
