A Virginia high school football coach accused of child pornography and soliciting minors has vanished into the woods with a firearm, prompting federal authorities to offer a $5,000 reward as the search intensifies.
Story Snapshot
- Travis Turner, 46, faces 10 charges, including child pornography possession and computer solicitation of minors
- U.S. Marshalsare offering $5,000 reward after the coach disappeared before the police investigation
- Family attorney says Turner left home to “walk in the woods with a firearm” on November 20
- Federal and state authorities warn that Turner may be armed and dangerous
Coach Vanishes Before Police Investigation
Travis Turner, a 46-year-old football coach at Union High School in Appalachia, Virginia, disappeared on November 20, 2025, just as Virginia State Police agents were en route to his home.
The timing raises serious concerns about whether Turner was tipped off about the investigation. Authorities emphasized they were not initially planning to arrest him during this visit, suggesting the investigation was still in preliminary stages when he fled.
$5K reward offered for wanted Virginia high school football coach https://t.co/QXoDvjC9Mu pic.twitter.com/XV9DocdNwf
— WATE 6 On Your Side (@6News) December 2, 2025
Serious Criminal Charges Filed
Virginia State Police issued 10 warrants for Turner’s arrest, including five counts of possession of child pornography and five counts of using a computer to solicit a minor. These charges represent grave violations that threaten our children’s safety and expose how predators can infiltrate trusted positions within our schools.
The combination of possession and active solicitation charges suggests a pattern of deliberate criminal behavior targeting vulnerable minors.
Armed and Dangerous Fugitive Status
The U.S. Marshals Service joined the manhunt on December 1, 2025, elevating this case to federal priority status. Turner is described as 6 feet 3 inches tall, weighing 235 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes.
His family’s attorney revealed Turner left home carrying a firearm to “walk in the woods,” marking the last confirmed contact with family members on November 20.
Multi-Agency Search Efforts Continue
Federal marshals and Virginia State Police have conducted extensive searches around Turner’s residence in Appalachia without success. The wooded terrain of southwestern Virginia provides numerous hiding spots for a fugitive familiar with the local landscape.
Authorities spent several days focusing their initial efforts near his home before expanding the search parameters and requesting federal assistance.
The $5,000 reward demonstrates law enforcement’s commitment to bringing Turner to justice and protecting communities from this potential threat. Anyone who spots Turner or has information about his whereabouts should immediately contact 911, Virginia State Police, or the U.S. Marshals Service.
Citizens should not approach Turner directly, as authorities have warned he may be armed and should be considered dangerous.
