Fairfax County Police charged a former Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) principal with felony embezzlement on Wednesday, September 30, alleging he spent nearly $8,000 in school funds on personal travel and events.

Darin Thompson, 51, of Lorton, turned himself in at the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center and was released on a $3,000 unsecured bond, according to a Fairfax County Police Department statement.

Thompson previously served as principal of Hayfield Secondary School in Alexandria. WUSA9 reported he most recently worked as a senior administrator for nontraditional school programs at FCPS.

The department's Financial Crimes Unit opened its investigation on April 21 after the FCPS Office of Auditor General flagged alleged fraudulent use of school-issued payment cards. The probe lasted more than five months before detectives obtained an arrest warrant.

Detectives determined the unauthorized charges covered personal travel and attendance at events unrelated to Thompson's official duties, according to the department. The expenses were made on school-issued payment cards.

Thompson has worked for FCPS since July 2023. The district placed him on administrative leave after learning of the allegations and launched its own internal review. Following his arrest, FCPS suspended him.

Hayfield Secondary is in Alexandria. FCPS serves students across Fairfax County, including in McLean and Great Falls.

FCPS has not commented publicly beyond confirming Thompson was placed on leave and then suspended. No court date has been announced.

The charge is an allegation. Thompson has not entered a plea in public records reviewed for this report.

Anyone with information can contact the Financial Crimes Unit at 703-246-3533 or submit an anonymous tip through Crime Solvers of Fairfax County at 866-411-8477 or at www.crimesolversfairfax.org.