Maxine Harrison
The wife of a missing football coach facing charges has spoken out on her husband's disappearance.
High school football coach, Travis Turner, has been considered missing since November 20, shortly before a police visit to his home.
On Thursday, Virginia State Police (VSP) visited his home as part of an investigation, but was told that he wasn't there, leading to drones, search and rescue teams being deployed to find him.
Now, amidst the ongoing search to locate him, police have said that the 46-year-old of Appalachia, Virginia, is facing five counts of child sexual abuse material and five counts of using a computer to solicit a minor.
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According to the BBC, additional charges against Turner are still pending, and they have 10 warrants for his arrest, police have also said, but the main focus is finding him ‘safely’.
A spokesperson for the police department said: "VSP's main priority is locating Turner safely; he is now considered a fugitive."
They also noted that the search was taking place across multiple jurisdictions.
Before Turner’s disappearance, he was the head coach of the Union High School football team in the Wise County public district.
In a statement to the media, the school district said that Turner 'remains on leave and is not permitted on school property or to have contact with students', adding (via CBS): "The division will continue to cooperate with law enforcement as this process moves forward."
Turner's wife has also since spoken out, telling the Daily Mail that 'none of it is true'.
"He’s a good dad and a good husband, and we want him home. That’s it," she said. "I don’t know anything. I don’t know anything. I’m sorry.
"We are all just hanging in there until we get news."
The family's attorney, Adrian Collins, also shared a statement: “I speak today on behalf of Coach Turner’s family. We remain prayerful for his safe return and for everyone affected by the circumstances surrounding his disappearance. We trust God to bring truth and clarity in His time.
"Any allegations should be addressed through the proper legal process – not through speculation or rumor. We ask the public and media to show compassion, accuracy, and respect for the family's privacy."
Superintendent Dr Mike Goforth also said that the district was aware of the charges made 'against a staff member who has been on administrative leave', and that he was 'placed on administrative leave with pay while an external agency reviews an allegation that was reported to the division'.
He added (via Fox News): "This is standard procedure and is not a determination of wrongdoing."