Leslie Turner Denies Allegations As Police Issue 10 Warrants and Widen Search for Husband

The wife of Travis Turner, a high school football coach wanted on multiple child pornography and solicitation charges, vehemently denied the allegations against her husband on Tuesday, as a statewide manhunt entered its sixth day amid growing public scrutiny. Leslie Turner, 46, addressed reporters outside the family home in Appalachia, a small town in Wise County, repeating, “I don’t know anything. I’m sorry,” before firmly stating, “None of that is true. He’s a good dad and a good husband. We want him home. That’s it.” When pressed on unconfirmed reports of Turner carrying a rifle, she declined further comment, citing legal advice. The family briefly posted an emotional plea on social media seeking prayers for his safe return but later removed it, according to reports. Turner, head coach and physical education teacher at Union High School in nearby Big Stone Gap, vanished on November 20 just as Virginia State Police investigators approached his residence for an unrelated inquiry.

Authorities have since obtained 10 arrest warrants for the 46-year-old fugitive: five counts each of possession of child pornography and using a computer to solicit a minor, offenses uncovered during the probe that prompted the initial visit. Turner was last seen wearing a gray sweatshirt, sweatpants, and glasses, with his truck later found abandoned in the rugged Appalachian terrain. The Virginia State Police have deployed extensive resources, including search-and-rescue teams, drones, K-9 units, and helicopters, across the mountainous region bordering Kentucky and Tennessee, prioritizing his safe apprehension while classifying him as a high-risk fugitive. Investigators noted that Turner had been communicating via phone and internet with an underage minor located about two hours away in the Wytheville area, though the probe remains ongoing with potential additional charges pending.

Union High School placed Turner on administrative leave in line with district policy for active criminal investigations, though officials have not publicly identified him. The move comes as the school's undefeated 12-0 football team prepares for the Region 2D championship, a stark contrast to the scandal rocking the close-knit community. This incident marks at least the third such case involving Union High staff in recent years, fueling concerns over child safety protocols in rural Virginia schools. Police urge anyone with information to contact the Virginia State Police hotline at 276-484-9483, emphasizing the ongoing nature of the investigation.

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