Wife of missing coach in Virginia denies child pornography allegations against him

The wife of missing high school football coach Travis Turner says she doesn’t know anything about the allegations of soliciting a minor and child pornography possession made against him.

Virginia State Police on Tuesday said they went Thursday to the home of Mr. Turner, 46, in Appalachia, near the border of North Carolina, only to find he wasn’t there. On Monday, they obtained 10 warrants against him, five for soliciting a minor and five for possession of child pornography.

“I don’t know anything. I don’t know anything. I’m sorry,” Leslie Turner, wife of the Union High School coach, told the Daily Mail regarding the solicitation charges.

Ms. Turner told the outlet that when it came to the child pornography allegations, “none of that is true. He’s a good dad and a good husband, and we want him home. That’s it.”

VSP is using search dogs, drones and search-and-rescue teams to try and find Mr. Turner, who is now a fugitive.

According to Virginia’s WCYB-TV, Adrian Collins, an attorney speaking on behalf of the Turner family, said, “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.”

Wise County Public Schools, also according to the TV station, said it’s “aware that law enforcement has filed charges against a staff member who has been on administrative leave. The individual remains on leave and is not permitted on school property or to have contact with students. The division will continue to cooperate with law enforcement as this process moves forward.”

Mr. Turner’s disappearance came in advance of his undefeated team’s home regional semifinal against Graham High School of Bluefield, Virginia, on Saturday. Union High won 12-0 at Big Stone Gap.

“I think we were going to play no matter what. We were ready for this game. We’ve been ready since summer, and we just had to go out and execute,” Union two-way player Carlos Anderson told the Bristol Herald Courier.

Union, the No. 1 seed in its region, will play host to Ridgeview High School from Clintwood on Saturday in the regional final, according to Cardinal News.