by RODERICK MULLINS

BIG STONE GAP, Va. — Wise County Public Schools and Union High School announced that Jamie Harless has been named Union’s new head football coach, as former coach and now-fugitive Travis Turner remains missing four months after his disappearance.

According to the announcement Tuesday, Harless had a 14-season tenure at Lord Botetourt High School, where he “transformed the program into a perennial state power.”

While at Lord Botetourt, Harless had 134 career victories and led the Cavaliers to four regional titles and three state runner-up finishes. His more than 100 wins solidified him as the first coach in Lord Botetourt history to reach that milestone.

“Coach Harless is a proven winner who understands the culture of Southwest Virginia football,” school officials noted in the announcement, referencing his roots as an Abingdon High School standout and Emory & Henry College Hall of Famer. 

“His commitment to building tough, disciplined teams and his track record of helping players reach the collegiate level make him the ideal leader for the Bears.”

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APPALACHIA, Va. — A new statement by the attorney for the family of a Wise County high school football coach who disappeared while under investigation on child porn charges sheds new light on the last time he was seen.

Union High School Coach Travis Lee Turner, 46, was discovered missing when police went to his home to question him Nov. 20. At the time, police said it was not their intention to arrest him, but to question him in connection with an unspecified investigation.

Officials later announced Turner is wanted on five counts of possession of child porn and five counts of using a computer to solicit a minor.

In a statement released to media outlets on Friday, attorney Adrian Smith says Turner left home Nov. 20 “to walk in the woods with a firearm.” He added that it is believed Turner “entered a heavily wooded and mountainous area.”

When he didn’t return home that evening, Turner’s wife contacted police but was told she had to wait 24 hours to file a missing person’s report. She did so the following day. The family has cooperated fully with authorities, Collins said,

”It is the family’s prayer that Travis is safe and will have the opportunity to defend himself in a court of law,” Collins said.

Turner is described as 6 feet, 3 inches tall and 260 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing sweatpants, a gray sweatshirt and glasses.

Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to contact Virginia State Police at (540) 444-7788.

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APPALACHIA, Va. — What began as a search for a missing Wise County high school football coach is now being termed a manhunt for a fugitive, as officials now say he is wanted on child pornography charges.

Union High School Coach Travis Lee Turner, 46, was discovered missing when police went to his home to question him last Thursday. At the time, police said it was not their intention to arrest him, but to question him in connection with an unspecified investigation.

Now, multiple media outlets are reporting the substance of that investigation. Officials say Turner is wanted on five counts of possession of child porn and five counts of using a computer to solicit a minor.

As a result, Turner is now being treated as a fugitive, rather than simply missing. Police are using search dogs and drones in an attempt to find him.

Turner is described as 6 feet, 3 inches tall and 260 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing sweatpants, a gray sweatshirt and glasses.

Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to contact Virginia State Police at (540) 444-7788.

The post Missing coach wanted on child porn charges appeared first on Mountain Top Media.

WISE, Va. — A Union High School teacher and coach has been arrested on child exploitation charges, following an investigation by the Wise County Sheriff’s Office.

Timothy Lee Meador, 28, of Big Stone Gap, was arrested for one count of child solicitation and two counts of indecent liberties.

Wise County school officials reported Meador to the sheriff’s office once they became aware of the allegations. He has since been suspended from all school activities.

Since his arrest, he has been released from jail on a $10,000 bond.

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