The lawyer for missing Virginia high school football coach Travis Turner has addressed child pornography and solicitation charges filed against him. Turner disappeared amid an ongoing investigation.
“We continue to pray for his safe return and for all those affected by the circumstances of his disappearance,” attorney Adrian Collins stated on November 25. He issued the statement on behalf of the Turner family.
Collins added, “We trust that God will bring truth and clarity in His timing. Any allegations must be addressed through the proper legal process, not through speculation or rumor.”
The statement also requested that the public and media show compassion and respect for the family’s privacy.
Turner, 46, vanished on Thursday, November 20. He reportedly fled his family’s home as Criminal Investigation Bureau agents arrived to question him.
Virginia State Police announced on November 25 that Turner is wanted on five counts of child pornography possession. He also faces five counts of using a computer to solicit a minor.
Authorities indicate that additional charges are pending against Turner, who is currently considered a “fugitive.”
“The Virginia State Police is actively searching for Turner,” police reported on November 25. They requested public assistance to locate him.
Wise County Public Schools, Turner’s employer, placed an unidentified staff member on administrative leave on Friday, November 21.
A statement from the school district noted this was standard procedure, not a finding of misconduct. The division could not comment further at that time.
The school district provided an update on November 25, confirming they were “aware that charges have been filed against a staff member who has been on administrative leave.”
The individual remains on leave and is barred from school property and contact with students. The division pledged to continue cooperating with authorities.
Neither statement from Wise County Public Schools mentioned Travis Turner by name.
Virginia State Police officially classified Turner as a “missing endangered person” on Saturday, November 22.
That same day, Union High School played in the regional state semifinals. Interim head coach Jay Edwards replaced Turner, leading the team to a 12-0 victory.
A search operation, involving drones, K-9 units, and a helicopter, has concentrated on a wooded area near Turner’s home.
Virginia State Police First Sergeant Jason Day confirmed the search focus. He said Turner “had gone into the woods just near his general home location.”
Turner’s wife, Leslie Caudill Turner, declined to comment on speculation that her husband entered the woods with a rifle. She told the Daily Mail on November 25, “I was told not to comment.”
Leslie described Travis as “a good father and a good husband.” She added, “We’re all just holding on until we hear something.”
Union High School is scheduled to play Ridgeview High School in the regional state final on Saturday, November 29.