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The United States Marshals Service has intensified the search for Coach Travis Turner, who was last seen on November 20 and is currently classified as a “Missing Person.” Authorities are offering a reward of up to $5,000 for any information that could lead to Turner’s capture.
What was once a baffling disappearance before a crucial playoff game for his undefeated football team has taken a disturbing turn. Turner is now wanted on charges related to possessing child pornography and using a computer to solicit a minor, adding a darker layer to his absence.
According to Virginia State Police, Turner is facing five counts of possessing child pornography and another five counts of using a computer to solicit a minor. Officials indicate that more charges may be forthcoming as the investigation progresses.
Police began their inquiry into the allegations against Turner by heading to his family home to conduct an interview. However, en route, they received information suggesting that Turner was no longer at the residence.
In a startling revelation, Turner’s family reported that the last time they saw him, he left the house on foot, disappearing into the woods with a firearm. This development has added a sense of urgency to the ongoing manhunt for the missing coach.
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.
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