Union High School football coach Travis Turner, wanted on multiple counts of child pornography and related charges.

Nearly two weeks after a Virginia high school football coach wanted on child pornography possession and child solicitation charges disappeared, federal authorities warned on Dec. 1 that he "may be armed" and offered a $5,000 reward for information leading to his arrest.

Travis Turner, 46, of Appalachia, Virginia, is wanted on five counts of possession of child pornography and five counts of using a computer to solicit a minor, according to the Virginia State Police. Authorities have not shared further details on what prompted the charges but previously said additional charges are pending.

Turner, who was the head football coach at Union High School in Wise County, was last seen on Nov. 20. Authorities said in a Nov. 25 news release that they are "actively searching" for Turner.

In a wanted poster released on Dec. 1, the U.S. Marshals Service warned the public that Turner "may be armed" and to "use caution." The agency said it was offering a reward of up to $5,000 and asked anyone with information about Turner to contact authorities.

Adrian Collins, an attorney representing the family of Turner, told local television stations WCYB and WJHL over the weekend that the family's last known contact with Turner was on Nov. 20 after he "left his residence to walk in the woods with a firearm."

"He is believed to have entered a heavily wooded and mountainous area," Collins said in a statement, the television stations reported. "At which point, no warrants had been issued for his arrest."

Robin Lawson, a spokesperson for the Virginia State Police, told USA TODAY on Dec. 1 that there were "no updates to share at this time." Collins did not respond to USA TODAY's request for comment on Nov. 30.

High school football coach disappeared amid criminal investigation

The Virginia State Police said in the Nov. 25 news release that it had obtained 10 felony warrants for Turner on Nov. 24.

As part of the "early stages" of the investigation, the agency said agents were sent to Turner’s residence in Appalachia on Nov. 20. But while in transit, the agents were informed that Turner was no longer at the residence, according to state police.

"This was part of the investigation, and not to arrest him," state police said in the news release.

Since Turner's disappearance, state police said it used search and rescue teams, drones, and police dogs to assist in the investigation. Federal authorities have also joined in the search for Turner, according to state police.

The agency noted that its "main priority" is safely locating Turner, who is considered a fugitive. The investigation remains ongoing, state police said.

Appalachia is a town in Wise County, Virginia, about 40 miles north of the Virginia-Kentucky state line.

Who is Travis Turner?

Turner taught physical education at Union High School, the same school where he coached football. As of Nov. 30, he is no longer listed on the school’s website.

Amid Turner's disappearance, the Union High School football team remained undefeated and advanced to the state semi-finals on Nov. 29, according to WCYB. The team is scheduled to play Glenvar High School, located in Salem, Virginia, on Dec. 6 in the Class 2 state semifinals.

Wise County Public Schools Superintendent Mike Goforth previously told USA TODAY the district was aware law enforcement had filed charges against "a staff member who has been on administrative leave." Goforth, who would not name the employee, said the staff member was on leave and is "not permitted on school property or to have contact with students."

Before teaching and coaching at Union High School, Turner played quarterback at Appalachia High School where he was coached by his dad, Virginia High School League Hall of Fame member Tom Turner.

Turner was a member of Virginia Tech's 1998 recruiting class, which also included Michael Vick, USA TODAY reported. Turner transferred to Division-II UVA-Wise for the 1999 season when Vick memorably led the Hokies to the national championship game.

Turner later transferred to Eastern Kentucky University in 2002, where his team finished with an 8-4 record in legendary coach Roy Kidd's final season. The campaign included a 25-24 loss to Eastern Illinois on Oct. 12 in which Turner dueled with future Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo.

Contributing: Natalie Neysa Alund and Mark Giannotto, USA TODAY

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: US Marshals warn Virginia high school football coach 'may be armed'

Reporting by Thao Nguyen, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect