Virginia High School Coach Receives Pay After Disappearing on Serious Charges
Travis Turner, a physical education teacher and varsity football coach at Union High School in Wise County, Virginia, was still collecting his monthly salary even after he was charged with grave crimes involving minors and subsequently vanished. According to records obtained by WCYB-News 5, Turner was paid $7,075.45 on January 30, 2026. This payment included $5,767.27 for his teaching duties and $1,308.18 for his coaching role.
Charges and Disappearance Amid Ongoing Compensation
Turner faced five counts related to child pornography and five counts of using a computer to contact a minor. He went missing around November 20, 2025, and has not been seen or heard from since. School records indicate that he received identical payments in November and December 2025, totaling $21,226.35 in compensation after his disappearance and after the charges were formally filed. Many parents in the community have expressed deep frustration and are demanding transparency and accountability from school officials.
School Superintendent Explains Payroll Process
Wise County Public Schools superintendent Mike Goforth clarified to WCYB-News 5 that Travis Turner was not officially removed from his position until a school board meeting on February 9, 2026. He elaborated, "Payroll records may reflect compensation issued after board action due to standard payroll processing timelines, contractual obligations, statutory requirements, or the payout of accrued leave. Such records do not indicate continued employment status." The head football coaching job at Union High School is now listed as open on the school's official website.
Parental Outcry and Historical Context of School Issues
During the February 9 meeting, several parents voiced their concerns, arguing that the district had not provided sufficient information. Wise County parent Stephen Murray told News Channel 11, "I just want to keep applying pressure." He added, "I just want to make sure that no one thinks that we're going to sweep this under the rug like it has been for so many years. I just want to keep reminding the citizens of this county that there's been a lot of abuse and we just need to keep shining a spotlight on it until something changes." This incident is not isolated; in 2023, former teacher Timothy Lee Meador was charged in a separate case, pleaded guilty to two felony counts, served 15 months in prison, and is now banned from school property.
Family Plea and Current Employment Status of Relative
Meanwhile, Travis Turner's family issued a statement through their attorney to Us Weekly in December 2025. It revealed that Turner left home without his glasses, keys, or necessary medication. His wife, Leslie Caudill Turner, urged him to return and face the charges in court. The statement read, "Don't leave your family to fight this battle without you. They love and miss you. They want you to know they are your support." Notably, Travis Turner's oldest son, Bailey, continues to work at Union High School as a physical education teacher and assistant football coach.
