The wife of a missing high school football coach wanted by police on child pornography charges has broken her silence.
Virginia State Police announced Tuesday that father of three Travis Turner, 46, is wanted on five counts of possession of child pornography and five counts of using a computer to entice a minor. At present he is considered a fugitive.
At the couple’s remote three-bed home in Appalachia, Virginia, Turner’s paralegal wife Leslie, 46, also said she had no knowledge of her husband’s alleged inappropriate contact with minors.
‘i don’t know anything. i don’t know anything. “I’m sorry,” he told the Daily Mail.
When asked about the child pornography allegations police are now searching for Turner, Leslie defended her husband: ‘None of it is true. He is a good father and a good husband and we want him to come home. That’s it.’
She said it remains a difficult time for the family as police continue to search for Turner, who disappeared last weekend.
Leslie Caudill Turner with her husband Travis, who is wanted by police on child pornography charges
A younger Turner is seen with Leslie at their wedding. The couple lives in West Virginia
Turner broke his silence Tuesday outside his family home in Appalachia, Virginia
He said, ‘We will all stay there until we get news.’
Police are using search and rescue teams, drones and even K9 units to track Turner after they were unable to locate him last Thursday night.
As part of the initial phase of his investigation, VSP special agents were dispatched to Turner’s $153,000 Appalachia home. However, while in transit, agents were informed that Turner was no longer at the location.
Police told local TV that he was last seen entering the woods near his home wearing a gray sweatshirt, gray sweatpants and glasses.
Asked about speculation that her husband had fled with a rifle, Lesley said: ‘I was asked not to comment.’
She said Union High School – the public school where her husband was the head football coach – was supporting the family.
A spokesperson for Wise County Public Schools, which oversees Union High, said the district is aware of the allegations and declined further comment, without naming Turner.
“The individual is on leave and is not permitted to be on school property or have contact with students,” a statement said.
Authorities have been searching for football coach Turner since he went missing last weekend
Turner’s photo also includes his wife, Leslie, who has prayed for her husband to be found.
Asked if the unnamed employee was her husband, Leslie said: ‘I don’t know anything about it.’
Turner’s disappearance comes at what should have been a celebratory undefeated season for his team, the Bears.
They continued their winning streak on Saturday without Turner in attendance.
VSP is now asking anyone with information about Turner’s disappearance to contact Division 4 at 276-484-9483 or email questions@vsp.virginia.gov.
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