Missing High School Football Coach Is Wanted on Accusations of Child Sex Abuse Material, Police Say By Liam Quinn

A Virginia high school football coach who went missing during his team’s undefeated season is now wanted on child sex abuse materials charges.

Travis Turner, the coach at Union High School in Big Stone Gap, Va., was last seen on Nov. 20, according to a Virginia State Police bulletin.

Now, state police say they’ve obtained 10 warrants for Turner, for five counts of possession of child pornography and five counts of using a computer to solicit a minor, according to reports from ABC News, WCYB and WJHL.

Turner is now considered a fugitive, state police said, per ABC.

“Police are actively searching for Turner,” state police said in a statement, according to the outlets. “Since his disappearance, VSP has utilized a number of assets, including search and rescue teams, drones and K9s, to assist in the search. VSP’s main priority is locating Turner safely; he is now considered a fugitive.”

“On Thursday, November 20, 2025, as part of the early stages of an investigation, VSP Special Agents from the Bureau of Criminal Investigation Wytheville Field Office were sent to Turner’s residence in Appalachia, located in Wise County,” state police said in a statement, according to WJHL. “This was part of the investigation, and not to arrest him. While in transit, the agents were informed that Turner was no longer at the location.”

Wise County Schools issued a statement reported by WJHL following the announcement by state police.

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“Wise County Public Schools is aware that law enforcement has filed charges against a staff member who has been on administrative leave,” the reported statement said. “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 Turner is over 6 feet tall and weighs about 260 lbs. He has brown hair and brown eyes, and was last seen in a gray sweatshirt, sweatpants and glasses.

WCYB reported additional charges against Turner are pending.