Fairfax Officer Charged After Alleged Theft During On-Duty Shopping Trip

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA — A Fairfax County police officer has been charged with shoplifting at two Target stores on the same day, including one incident in which he was on duty and wearing his police uniform, authorities said.

Master Police Officer Scott Abram, 44, of Spotsylvania County, was charged Thursday with two misdemeanor counts of shoplifting, according to the Fairfax County Police Department.

Abram, a 23-year veteran assigned to the department's School Resource Officer Unit, was placed on administrative leave while criminal and internal investigations continued.

Police said the allegations stem from two incidents on Sept. 22 at Target stores in Burke and Springfield.

The first incident occurred around 1 p.m. at the Target at 10301 New Guinea Road in Burke. According to police, Abram concealed an item's barcode with that of a less expensive item during a self-checkout transaction.

Police said Abram left the store with both items after paying for only one. He was in uniform and on duty at the time.

Later that day, around 5 p.m., Abram allegedly committed a similar offense at the Target at 6600 Springfield Mall in Springfield, according to police. He was off duty during that incident.

Loss prevention employees reported both incidents to police on Sept. 23, prompting investigations by the department's Internal Affairs Bureau and Major Crimes Bureau.

Detectives charged Abram, and he was released on two criminal summonses.

Police Chief Kevin Davis condemned the alleged misconduct.

"I am disheartened that a police officer has betrayed the public trust with these intentional acts of criminal misconduct," Davis said. "It is unacceptable, and I will not tolerate it."

Police did not disclose the merchandise involved or its value.

The criminal and administrative investigations remain ongoing.