It has been nearly two weeks since Virginia high school teacher and football coach Travis Turner was last seen. The 46-year-old father of three remains 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.
On Monday, the US Marshals, who are one of the law enforcement agencies searching for Turner, issued a brief warning statement to the public. They believe the Big Stone Gap, Va. resident may be armed.
Public urged to ‘use caution,’ reward offered
In a Facebook post Monday morning, the Marshals said that any person with information leading to Turner’s arrest can contact 911, Virginia State Police, or the US Marshals Service tips line at 1-877-WANTED2.
However, they should be wary of the missing fugitive, who was last seen Nov. 20 and may have a weapon on him.
“Suspect is wanted by the Virginia State Police on multiple felony charges,” the Marshals’ announcement reads. “May be armed, use caution.”
Additionally, the Marshals are offering a reward of up to $5,000 for the public’s assistance.
Why authorities think Turner may be armed
The possibility of Turner having a gun on him was first mentioned by Adrian Collins, an attorney for the family, in a statement issued last Friday.
“The last known contact the family had with Travis occurred on or about Thursday, November 20, after he left his residence to walk in the woods with a firearm,” Collins said, via WJHL. “He is believed to have entered a heavily wooded and mountainous area. At which point, no warrants had been issued for his arrest.”
Turner was officially charged with 10 felonies five days later, on Tuesday, Nov. 25. That same day, his wife Leslie Caudill Turner briefly commented on the disturbing allegations.
“I don’t know anything. I don’t know anything. I’m sorry,” she told the Daily Mail, adding that “none of that is true” and her spouse was “a good dad and a good husband.”
According to Us Weekly, Travis and Leslie share three children: adult sons Bailey, 25, and Grayden, 20, and a young daughter Brynlee, 11.
