Intensifying Manhunt: Fugitive Union Coach Evades Capture for Nearly Two Weeks

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BIG STONE GAP, Va. (WJHL) — Authorities at both the state and federal levels are intensifying their efforts to locate Travis Lee Turner, a Union High School football coach facing allegations of child pornography possession.

Turner has been missing since November 20, and as of Tuesday, nearly two weeks have passed without any trace of him. Shortly after his disappearance, the Virginia State Police (VSP) added him to their missing persons database.

On November 25, the VSP revealed that warrants had been issued against Turner. He faces five counts of possessing child pornography and five counts of using a computer to solicit a minor. The state police have since classified him as a fugitive.

Further complicating the search, the United States Marshals Service (USMS) announced on Monday that they are offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information that could lead to Turner’s capture. A wanted poster released by the USMS cautioned the public that Turner might be armed. According to a statement from the Turner family’s attorney, Turner was last seen by relatives heading into the woods carrying a firearm.

News Channel 11 reached out to VSP on Tuesday. An agency spokesperson said investigators and the USMS were following up on leads Tuesday.

The Wise County Sheriff’s Office referred questions regarding the search for Turner to VSP. News Channel 11 also reached out to the USMS, but did not hear back.

Numerous VSP and USMS personnel were observed gathering at Appalachia High School on Monday before splitting off into groups to search for Turner.