Manhunt Intensifies for Virginia High School Football Coach Wanted on Child Exploitation Charges - Travis Turner

Appalachia, Virginia – November 26, 2025

Authorities have escalated their search for Travis L. Turner, the 46-year-old head football coach at Union High School, into a full-scale manhunt. Turner, once celebrated for leading his undefeated Bears team to the playoffs, is now a fugitive wanted on ten felony counts related to child sexual exploitation, according to a Tuesday announcement from the Virginia State Police (VSP).Turner vanished from his home in Appalachia on November 20, just as VSP agents from the Bureau of Criminal Investigation's Wytheville Field Office were en route to interview him as part of an ongoing probe. "Agents learned that Turner was no longer at the location upon arrival," VSP spokesperson Robin Lawson stated in a press release.

The coach was last seen entering nearby woods, dressed in a gray sweatshirt, gray sweatpants, and glasses, prompting an immediate mobilization of resources.

Warrants and Allegations Rock Small-Town Community

The investigation took a darker turn on November 25 when prosecutors secured ten arrest warrants against Turner: five counts of possession of child pornography and five counts of using a computer to solicit a minor.

"The investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges are pending," Lawson added, emphasizing the gravity of the allegations.

Sources close to the case indicate the probe stems from external allegations reported to authorities, though details on the victims or timeline remain sealed to protect those involved.Wise County Public Schools, where Turner also served as a physical education teacher, confirmed earlier this week that an unnamed employee—widely believed to be Turner—had been placed on paid administrative leave pending an internal review.

The district reiterated its commitment to student safety but declined further comment, citing the active investigation.Turner's disappearance came at a poignant moment for the Union Bears, who notched a 40-7 playoff victory over Lehigh High School on November 15 without their coach on the sidelines.

The team's perfect 12-0 regular season record had made Turner a local hero in Big Stone Gap, a town of just over 5,000 nestled in the Appalachian Mountains. His abrupt absence has left players, parents, and fans reeling, with social media posts expressing a mix of heartbreak and disbelief.

Multi-Agency Search Efforts Underway

The VSP has deployed an extensive array of assets in the hunt for Turner, including search and rescue teams, K-9 units, drones, and ground crews focused on the wooded areas surrounding his Appalachia residence.

A statewide alert was issued Monday, urging the public to report any sightings.

As of Wednesday afternoon, Turner's truck was reported abandoned near his home, but no confirmed leads have surfaced."Virginia State Police has utilized a number of assets to hopefully locate Turner safely," spokesperson Matthew Demlien told reporters earlier this week.

However, with the warrants now public, the tone has shifted from missing person recovery to fugitive apprehension. Multi-agency coordination, including local law enforcement and federal partners, continues around the clock.

Family's Plea Amid Mounting Scrutiny

Turner's wife, Leslie Caudill Turner, broke her silence in a heartfelt statement released through the family's attorney on Tuesday. "We love him and need him here with us," she said, describing the ordeal as a nightmare for their family.

Travis Turner was reported to have been last seen fleeing into the woods on November 20th, but authorities have not conducted a full search of Turner's residence. 17GEN4.com