The search is ongoing for missing Virginia high school teacher and football coach Travis Turner, who was last seen on Nov. 20. Turner, 46, is a fugitive of the law after being charged with five counts of child pornography and five counts of using a computer to solicit a minor.
Since the Big Stone Gap, Va. resident was reported missing, an extensive search has been conducted by multiple law enforcement agencies, as well as Turner’s family and friends. Now, the U.S. Marshals have taken things up a notch, offering a reward for information that leads to Turner’s arrest.
Marshals ask for public help
On Monday morning, the U.S. Marshals began advertising on Facebook a reward for up to $5,000 for tips on Turner’s whereabouts. Anyone with information is asked to contact 911, Virginia State Police, or the US Marshals Service tips line at 1-877-WANTED2.
“Suspect is wanted by the Virginia State Police on multiple felony charges,” the announcement reads. “May be armed, use caution.”
The Virginia State Police (VSP) also confirmed Monday they are still assisting in the search efforts.
“VSP is still searching for Turner with the assistance of the FBI and U.S. Marshals Service,” VSP spokesperson Robin Lawson said, via the New York Post.
Turner was reportedly ‘armed’ when last seen
The Marshals cautioned in their reward post that Turner may be armed. According to a statement released late last week by Adrian Collins, the family’s lawyer, the father of three was last seen carrying a firearm into a heavily wooded area on Thursday, Nov. 20.
Collins added that Turner’s wife Leslie reported him as a missing person the following day. Originally, the case appeared to be a simple disappearance, until police charged Turner with 10 felony counts last Tuesday.
“It is the family’s prayer that Travis is safe and will have the opportunity to defend himself in a court of law,” Collins added in his statement.
Meanwhile, Leslie Turner has deleted her social media footprint and gone dark after denying her husband was guilty of any wrongdoing in brief public comments last week.
Additionally, Union High School, which Turner was in the middle of leading to an undefeated season when he vanished, advanced to the Class 2 state semifinals this weekend with a win last Saturday.
