United States authorities have announced a financial reward for information that can lead to the location and arrest of a missing high school football coach from Virginia, who is facing serious child exploitation charges.
Reward and Manhunt for Missing Coach
The U.S. Marshals Service is now offering a $5,000 reward for tips that result in the capture of Travis Turner. The 46-year-old married father from Big Stone Gap, Virginia, is wanted on an arrest warrant issued last week. He faces five counts of possession of child pornography and five counts of using a computer to solicit a minor. Police have indicated that additional charges are pending.
Authorities are urging the public to report any sightings or information directly to 911, the Virginia State Police, or the U.S. Marshals Service tip line at 1-877-WANTED2. They have warned that Turner may be armed and have advised caution. The search involves the Virginia State Police, the FBI, and the U.S. Marshals Service.
Disappearance and Family's Plea
Turner was last seen on November 20, walking into a wooded area while carrying a firearm, according to a statement from his family's attorney, Adrian Collins. His disappearance was initially treated as a missing person case before the arrest warrants were made public.
Through his attorney, the family expressed that they are praying for Turner's safety and that he will have the chance to defend himself in a court of law. In the wake of the scandal, Turner's wife of 25 years, Leslie Caudill, has deactivated her social media accounts.
Fallout at Union High School
The case has sent shockwaves through the local community. Turner was the head football coach at Union High School in Virginia, where he was leading the team through an undefeated season at the time he vanished. He has since been removed from the school's staff listing on its official website.
Police and school officials have so far declined to comment on whether any of the alleged victims or witnesses in the case have any connection to Union High School, a public institution with approximately 600 students located in Virginia's rural Appalachian region.
