Ten felonies filed against missing Union head coach Travis Turner

Union High School head football coach Travis Turner, missing since Thursday night after police said he left his home as investigators were on their way to interview him, is now a wanted man.

Virginia State Police announced 10 felonies were being filed against Turner, 46, in Wise County including possession of child pornography and using a computer to solicit a minor.

Law enforcement has had boots on the ground and eyes in the air with helicopter and drone searches along with walks around Big Stone Gap and Appalachia in an effort to find Turner. He was added to the VSP register of missing persons on Sunday.

Turner, son of VHSL Hall of Fame member and former Appalachia High head coach Tom Turner, has been at Union High since 2011. Referring to Turner but not naming him in his statement, Superintendent Mike Goforth said the system is aware of criminal charges being filed against the employee placed on paid administrative leave last week and they are not allowed on school property and not to have any contact with students.

Students and parents gathered for prayer prior to Saturday’s playoff game at Bullitt Park where Union defeated Graham to advance to the Region 2 Finals and extend their undefeated season. Union is scheduled to host Dickenson County’s Ridgeview High School at the same venue this weekend.

The State Police report issued Tuesday said additional charges against Turner are pending.

Virginia State Police release a video statement on charging Travis Turner pic.twitter.com/4ewa8JLmYe

— News 5 WCYB (@news5wcyb) November 25, 2025

(IMAGE: Property of VSP / Courtesy of VSP Missing Persons registry)