Warrants issued for Virginia high school football coach reported missing last week

BIG STONE GAP, Va. (WJHL) – Virginia State Police said 10 warrants have been issued for Travis Turner, a high school football coach who was reported missing last week.

State police confirmed Tuesday that Turner, 46, is wanted on five counts of possession of child pornography and five counts of using a computer to solicit a minor.

Agents with the Virginia State Police were en route to Turner's Appalachia home on Thursday as part of an investigation — and "not to arrest him," per a statement — when they were informed the Union High School football coach was no longer there.

Authorities spent the weekend searching for Turner, with efforts focused on the general location of his house.

MORE: Search continues for missing Union High football coach

"Police are actively searching for Turner," Virginia State Police stated in a news release. "Since his disappearance, VSP has utilized a number of assets, including search and rescue teams, drones and K9s, to assist in the search. VSP's main priority is locating Turner safely; he is now considered a fugitive."

Additional charges are pending, according to VSP.

Superintendent of Wise County Public Schools Mike Goforth provided Nexstar's WJHL with a statement on Tuesday after VSP announced the warrants had been issued:

"Wise County Public Schools is 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. Because this is an active legal matter involving personnel, the division cannot comment further."

Turner was last seen on Thursday in Wise County wearing a gray sweatshirt, sweatpants and glasses.

Anyone with information on Turner's whereabouts is asked to contact VSP by calling 276-484-9483 or emailing questions@vsp.virginia.gov. Tips can be made anonymously.