3 other teachers accused in missing football coach investigation

Three other Wise County teachers faced child-sex-related charges in recent years, and their cases include convictions and short sentences; coach Travis Turner was charged and has been missing while police have provided no substantive updates.

A small Virginia school district has recently come under scrutiny after multiple employees were accused of crimes involving students and after the disappearance of a charged coach. The district serves about 5,500 students across 13 schools. The situation drew national attention when coach Travis Turner was charged and then went missing while authorities were preparing to question him. Local residents raised concerns at a recent school board meeting and the district did not respond to requests for comment. Known details: - Dalton Matthew Bates, a middle school band leader, was arrested in 2020 on charges related to sharing photos of students; he later pleaded guilty to some counts and was credited with time served. - Timothy Lee Meador, a coach and teacher, pleaded guilty in 2023 to child solicitation and indecent liberties and served a little over a year in prison. - Tyler Jay Tibbs, a middle school teacher, was charged in August with carnal knowledge and indecent liberties and was released on a $25,000 bond. - Travis Turner, a longtime Union High School coach who had been charged in a child-related investigation, disappeared while under investigation; police have provided no substantive updates. - Community members voiced frustration at the school board meeting, noting the series of reported cases and expressing concern about school oversight. Summary: The reported incidents over several years have left residents questioning district practices and oversight, and recent public comment at a school board meeting reflected those concerns. The status of ongoing inquiries and any further official actions is undetermined at this time.