A Fairfax County police officer who served McLean-area schools faces two misdemeanor shoplifting charges from two Target stores.

Master Police Officer Scott Abram, 44, of Spotsylvania County, was charged Thursday, Oct. 8, after detectives investigated incidents at Target locations in Burke and Springfield, the Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD) announced in a press release. Abram is a 23-year department veteran assigned to the School Resource Officer Unit, which places officers in Fairfax County Public Schools including McLean-area schools.

The first alleged incident occurred Sept. 22 at approximately 1 p.m. at the Target at 10301 New Guinea Road in Burke, according to the FCPD. Loss prevention staff reported that Abram concealed one item's barcode with a less expensive item's barcode during a self-checkout transaction. He then left the store with both items after paying for only one. Abram was in uniform and on duty at the time.

A second alleged incident occurred around 5 p.m. the same day at the Target at 6600 Springfield Mall in Springfield. Loss prevention staff reported a similar barcode-switching scheme. Abram was off duty during that incident.

Loss prevention employees at both stores reported the incidents to police on Sept. 23. The FCPD's Internal Affairs Bureau and Major Crimes Bureau were notified immediately, according to the department.

Abram was placed on administrative leave. FFXnow reported, citing the FCPD, that Abram will retire Friday, Oct. 16, instead of facing termination. The department's press release did not mention retirement.

Detectives charged Abram on Thursday, Oct. 8, and released him on two criminal summonses.

Police Chief Kevin Davis said in the department's statement that he was disheartened by the alleged misconduct, calling it an intentional betrayal of public trust that he would not tolerate.

The FCPD did not disclose what merchandise was allegedly taken or its value. WJLA 7News investigative reporter Scott Taylor reported on X, citing sources close to the investigation, that the items were Magic: The Gathering trading cards. The department has not confirmed that claim.

Under Virginia law, shoplifting of goods valued under $1,000 is a Class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by up to 12 months in jail, a fine of up to $2,500, or both, according to FFXnow.

No court date for the charges has been publicly scheduled.