The search for Coach Travis Turner has taken a dramatic turn as the United States Marshals Service steps in, labeling him a “Missing Person” after he was last seen on November 20. The agency is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for any information that could lead to his arrest, highlighting the urgency and seriousness of the situation.
Turner’s sudden disappearance, which came just days before his undefeated football team was set to compete in a playoff game, has left many in shock. The situation has become even more alarming with revelations that he is wanted on charges related to child pornography and using a computer to solicit a minor.
According to the Virginia State Police, Turner faces multiple warrants: five counts for possessing child pornography and another five for using a computer to solicit a minor, with the possibility of additional charges looming as the investigation progresses.
The investigation took a significant turn when police, en route to interview Turner at his family home regarding the allegations, were informed that he had already left. This information came in the form of a tip, adding urgency to the situation.
In a startling update, Turner’s family reported that their last contact with him was when he departed from their home on foot, heading into the nearby woods while carrying a firearm. This area is known for its dense forests and rugged, mountainous terrain, complicating the search efforts as authorities continue to pursue him.
Turner goes into an area described as heavily wooded and mountainous, as investigators are on the way to his house to interview him about recent allegations.
There is no word on if the former coach was contacted ahead of time and fled the scene, but no charges had been filed against him at the time he left the family home. Turner was gone when investigators arrived.
Travis Turner is a former high school football star quarterback who captured three state titles as a player in the mid-90s, and who is now the head football coach at Union High School in Wise County, Virginia.
Turner has been the football coach since 2011, and this year the team is undefeated heading into the state playoffs. Turner and his paralegal wife, Leslie, have been married for going on 25 years and have three children, two boys and a girl.
The recent accusations swirling around football coach Travis Turner are not the first time Union High School has had to deal with allegations involving a coach/teacher.
Timothy Lee Meador, a teacher and coach at Union High School, was arrested on one count of child solicitation and two counts of indecent liberties.
Meador pleaded guilty to two felony charges of taking indecent liberties with a minor by a person in a custodial or supervisory relationship, and was sentenced to one year and three months in prison.
The same lawyer who represented Meador is also representing the Turner family.
Joining Nancy Grace today:
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[Feature Photo via Instagram]
