Executive Summary
- The U.S. Marshals Service has issued a wanted poster and a $5,000 reward for Travis Turner.
- Turner faces charges of child pornography possession and solicitation of a minor.
- The suspect fled into the woods near Appalachia, Virginia, on November 20 and remains at large.
- Law enforcement warns that Turner may be armed and is knowledgeable about the local terrain.
Authorities have escalated the search for Travis Turner, a 46-year-old high school football coach from Virginia who has been a fugitive since late November, following the release of a new wanted poster by the U.S. Marshals Service citing child pornography charges. The federal agency is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest of Turner, who investigators warn may be armed and dangerous.
According to the U.S. Marshals Service, Turner is wanted for possession of child pornography and using a computer to solicit a minor. He was last seen on November 20 in Appalachia, Virginia. Police reports indicate that Turner allegedly walked into a wooded area near his home shortly before officers arrived to interview him regarding the investigation. Authorities noted they did not intend to arrest him at that specific moment, but found he had already fled the premises.
State and local law enforcement, supported by federal agents, have utilized K9 units and drones to comb the rugged terrain surrounding Appalachia. Investigators emphasized that Turner possesses extensive knowledge of the local geography, complicating search efforts in the dense woods. Despite days of sweeping the area, search teams have been unable to locate him.
Before deleting her social media presence, Turner’s wife, Leslie Turner, spoke to The Mail, asserting her belief in her husband’s innocence and describing him as a good father. Meanwhile, the Union High School Bears, the team Turner coached, have continued their season, recently advancing to the state semifinals despite the absence of their head coach.
Investigative Outlook
The involvement of the U.S. Marshals Service signals a significant escalation in the resources dedicated to apprehending Turner, classifying the search as a high-priority fugitive recovery operation. By offering a monetary reward and distributing wanted posters nationally, authorities aim to generate leads that extend beyond the immediate search radius in Virginia. The caution regarding Turner potentially being armed suggests law enforcement views the situation as volatile, prioritizing public safety while attempting to neutralize the flight risk of a suspect familiar with survival in difficult terrain. It is important to note that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
