A Virginia police officer with more than two decades on the job is facing two misdemeanor shoplifting charges after police say he used a self-checkout trick to steal from two Target stores.
The Fairfax County Police Department identified the master police officer as 44-year-old Scott Abram of Spotsylvania. He was charged on Oct. 8 after investigators looked into two separate incidents at Target locations in Burke and Springfield.
Police say the first incident happened on Sept. 22 at around 1 p.m. at a Target on New Guinea Road in Burke. Abram allegedly concealed the barcode of one item using a less expensive item during self-checkout, allowing him to leave with both after paying for only one.
Abram was reportedly in uniform and on duty during that incident. The second alleged shoplifting incident happened about four hours later at another Target in Springfield, where he was off duty.
What He Allegedly Stole
Police did not publicly identify the merchandise involved in their news release. However, ABC7 News reported that sources familiar with the investigation identified the items as Magic: The Gathering trading cards.
The strategy card game was created in 1993 and has since developed a worldwide following. According to its publisher, Hasbro, the game generated approximately $1.065 billion in revenue in 2022 and had been played by more than 50 million people worldwide. While ordinary packs can cost just a few dollars, some rare cards have sold for millions.
There is no indication that any of the pack Abram allegedly stole contained exceptionally rare cards. Court records list the charge as shoplifting merchandise valued at less than $1,000 but do not specify the exact value.
Police Chief Makes a Statement
FCPD Officer Charged with Shoplifting – More info➡️
— Fairfax County Police (@FairfaxCountyPD) October 9, 2026
The Fairfax County Police Department said Target loss prevention staff reported the two incidents to police on Sept. 23. The department’s Internal Affairs Bureau and Major Crimes Bureau were notified, and Abram was placed on administrative leave while the investigations continued.
On Oct. 8, detectives charged Abram with two counts of misdemeanor shoplifting, according to the police department. He was released on two criminal summonses.
Abram is a 23-year veteran of the Fairfax County Police Department who was assigned to its School Resource Officer Unit. His most recent assignment was at Hayfield Secondary School, according to ABC7 News, which also reported that Fairfax County Public Schools was notified about the investigation.
Police Chief Kevin Davis issued a statement condemning the alleged conduct.
“I am disheartened that a police officer has betrayed the public trust with these intentional acts of criminal misconduct. It is unacceptable, and I will not tolerate it,” Davis said.
Court records show the charges were filed under Virginia Code 18.2-103. The law generally classifies shoplifting or altering merchandise prices involving goods valued at less than $1,000 as petit larceny, a Class 1 misdemeanor. A conviction can carry a maximum penalty of 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine.
Court records list Abram’s next hearing for Nov. 19.
An arrest or criminal charge is not a finding of guilt, and Abram is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.