Missing high school football coach Travis Turner was still on the payroll despite being charged with five counts of child pornography and five counts of using a computer to solicit a minor.
Turner was last paid his monthly salary of $7,075.45 on January 30, according to documents obtained by WCYB-News 5.
The salary was a combination of the $5,767.27 Turner earned as a physical education teacher at Union High School in Wise County, Virginia, and the additional $1,308.18 he earned as the school’s varsity football coach.
Turner, who went missing on November 20, 2025, also received the same payment in November 2025 and December 2025.
Shortly after he disappeared, Turner was charged with the 10 counts of pornography and solicitation. He has not been seen or heard from since.
In total, Turner was paid $21,226.35 after the district was unaware of the allegations against him.
When asked why Turner was still getting paid, Wise County school district superintendent Mike Goforth said Turner wasn’t officially terminated as an employee until a school board meeting on February 9.
“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,” Goforth told WCYB. “Such records do not indicate continued employment status.”
The head football coaching position at Union High School is currently listed as open on the school’s website.
Wise County Public Schools has come under fire from members of the community since Turner went missing.
During the February 9 school board meeting, multiple parents stood up to call out a “lack of transparency” from the district.
“I just want to keep applying pressure,” Wise County parent Stephen Murray told News Channel 11 at the meeting.
Murray 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.”
In 2023, Union High School was embroiled in a similar scandal when teacher Timothy Lee Meador was indicted on three felony charges and pleaded guilty to two counts of indecent liberties with a child. Meador spent 15 months in prison and was banned from school property.
“I think it’s vital now more than ever that they actually understand that a community is hurting and a community does want change,” Murray said. “So, I do hope they’re listening. I think this is just the beginning, and the school board should, you know, get used to seeing these faces and hopefully more and more people show up.”
Turner was last seen by his family walking into the woods behind his home while carrying a rifle.
In a statement to Us Weekly via the Turner family attorney in December 2025, it was revealed Turner left home without his glasses, keys and necessary medications.
Travis’ wife, Leslie Caudill Turner, pleaded with her husband to return home to “face the allegations by defending yourself in a court of law.”
“Don’t leave your family to fight this battle without you,” the statement read. “They love and miss you. They want you to know they are your support.”
Travis and Leslie’s oldest son, Bailey, remains on the Union High payroll as a physical education teacher and assistant football coach.
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