The Virginia high school where missing football coach Travis Turner works faced another child sex scandal two years ago, this one involving a different staff member.
Former Union High School teacher Timothy Lee Meador was indicted on three felony charges in 2023, ABC7 reported, and pleaded guilty to two counts of indecent liberties with a child. Meador, now 28, was banned from the school and served 15 months in prison.
Turner, a 46-year-old father of three, is now wanted on five counts of soliciting a minor using a computer and five counts of child pornography, Virginia State Police announced Tuesday, November 25. The coach, who has worked at the Big Stone Gap, Virginia, high school for more than a decade, has been missing since Thursday, November 20, and authorities now consider him a fugitive.
“Wise County Public Schools is aware that law enforcement has filed charges against a staff member who has been on administrative leave,” the school district said in a statement released Tuesday, declining to name Turner specifically. “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.”
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In a statement released the day after Turner went missing, the district added that placing the employee on leave does not imply any wrongdoing.
“At this time, a staff member has been placed on administrative leave with pay while an external agency reviews an allegation that was reported to us,” the statement read. “This is standard procedure and not a determination of wrongdoing. The division cannot comment further.”
Turner disappeared as police were on their way to his home to question him about an open investigation. State police clarified they were not on their way to arrest him. Officers were informed en route that he was no longer at the residence and the search for him had centered on the wooded area behind his home, Virginia State Police 1st Sgt. Jason Day announced on Saturday, November 22.
Turner’s wife, Leslie, came to her husband’s defense in a story published by the Daily Mail on Tuesday.
“None of that is true,” she said of the charges against him “He’s a good dad and a good husband and we want him home. That’s it.”
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“We are all just hanging in there until we get news,” Leslie added.
She first addressed Travis’ disappearance on Friday in a since-deleted post via social media.
“I just wanted to get on here for a second to clear up something, as of right now, 10:25 PM on Friday night, Travis is missing, & that’s all we know,” she wrote. “We love him & need him here with us. Thank you to everyone who has reached out with love & support. It means more than you know. Just keep praying that he comes home.”
An attorney for the family released a statement on Tuesday, asking for the public to respect their privacy.
“I speak today on behalf of Coach Turner’s family,” attorney Adrian Collins 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. We ask the public and media to show compassion, accuracy, and respect for the family’s privacy. No questions will be taken.”
