Wife of Missing Football Coach Wanted on Child Pornography Charges Didn’t Help Him Escape: Lawyer

YOU NEED TO KNOW

• The attorney for the family of wanted Virginia high school football coach Travis Turner said this week that Turner did not help his wife evade police.

• Turner was last seen by his wife on November 20, a day before she reported him missing to police.

• Five days after his disappearance, Virginia State Police announced 10 charges against Turner, related to possession of child pornography and using a computer to molest a minor.

Lawyer for family of missing high school football coach Travis Turner This week, a Virginia fugitive did not help his wife escape when she disappeared late last month.

Turner, 46, was last seen on Nov. 20, less than a week before the Virginia State Police announcement. 10 arrest warrants against him He was charged with five counts of possession of child pornography and five counts of using a computer to harass a minor.

“His wife wasn’t helping him escape, she was asking for help finding him,” the family’s lawyer, Adrian Collins, told the media. local WCYB.

Collins continued his statement: “Travis Turner’s family continues to cooperate with law enforcement to locate Travis.” “With their consent, their homes and properties were searched several times.”

The family’s attorney added: “Although the family’s recent contact with Travis has caused them great concern for his well-being, they cling to hope that he will be found and will have the opportunity to defend himself in court.”

A spokesperson for the Virginia State Police Department had no comment when PEOPLE asked them about investigators’ interest in Turner’s wife.

“There are no updates to share at this time,” a state police spokesman said. “The search continues with the support of the Marshals Service and the FBI. We are still seeking the public’s assistance in providing any information that may lead to Turner’s whereabouts.”

Earlier this week, PEOPLE reported that Turner’s wife allegedly told police she last saw her husband walking into the woods near their home in Appalachia, Virginia, on Nov. 20, a day before he officially reported him missing to local authorities.

Turner’s disappearance occurred just days before his undefeated football team at Union High School began the Virginia state playoffs, sending shockwaves through the local community as questions swirled about his whereabouts.

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In a statement this week, Collins included “a summary with some additional detail” about what the Turner family said happened. WCYB.

“Travis was last seen by some of his family walking into the local woods near his home with a firearm,” Collins said in a statement on behalf of the family. “This was something he had done many times over the years. When he did not return home that evening, his wife anxiously sought assistance from law enforcement. As instructed, she filed a missing person report with the Virginia State Police the next day.”

Collins stated that Turner’s “wife’s concerns were compounded by the following facts: Travis’ car and keys were left at home. Travis wore contact lenses during the day and glasses at night. Travis’ contact lens supplies and glasses were left at home. Travis’ wallet, driver’s license, cash, and all of their contents were left at home. Travis was prescribed some daily medications that he needed, which were left at home.”

“It’s not like Travis disappeared or stayed away from home,” Collins said, noting that “Travis was not charged until days later when he failed to return home.”

The family’s attorney also added a defense to Turner: “If Travis is capable and able to respond to his family’s wishes, your wife and children are in distress,” Collins said. “Leslie is begging you to come home and face the allegations by defending yourself in court. Do not leave your family to fight this battle without you. They love and miss you. They want you to know that they are your support.”

PEOPLE reached out to Collins multiple times this week for more information but had not heard back as of Thursday, Dec. 4.

According to reports, Turner is now considered a fugitive by the Virginia State Police. ABC News, WCYB And WJHLAs authorities continue to search for him this week.

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