Travis Turner disappearance deepens as missing High School football coach remained on payroll after serious charges

Travis Turner, a high school football coach in Wise County, Virginia, was still receiving his monthly paycheck even after he was charged with serious crimes involving minors. Records obtained by WCYB-News 5 show that Turner was paid $7,075.45 on January 30. That money included $5,767.27 for his job as a physical education teacher and $1,308.18 for his role as varsity football coach at Union High School.Turner was charged with five counts related to child pornography and five counts of using a computer to contact a minor. Around the same time, he went missing on November 20, 2025. Since then, no one has reported seeing or hearing from him. School records show he also received the same pay in November and December 2025. In total, he was paid $21,226.35 after he disappeared and after charges were filed. Many parents in the community say they are upset and want answers.

Travis Turner’s pay continued at Union High School in Wise County as superintendent Mike Goforth explains payroll timeline

Wise County Public Schools superintendent Mike Goforth told WCYB-News 5 that Travis Turner was not officially removed from his job until a school board meeting on February 9. He explained, “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 website.During the February 9 meeting, several parents spoke out. They said the district had not shared enough information. Wise County parent Stephen Murray told News Channel 11, “I just want to keep applying pressure.” He also said, “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 is not the first time the school has faced trouble. In 2023, former teacher Timothy Lee Meador was charged in a separate case. He later pleaded guilty to two felony counts and served 15 months in prison. He is banned from school property.Meanwhile, Travis Turner’s family shared a statement through their attorney with Us Weekly in December 2025. It said Turner left home without his glasses, keys, or needed medicine. His wife, Leslie Caudill Turner, asked him to come back 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.” Travis Turner’s oldest son, Bailey, still works at Union High School as a physical education teacher and assistant football coach.