Franconia Police District – Detectives from our Financial Crimes Unit have arrested a Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) employee following an investigation into the misuse of school funds.
On April 21, 2026, detectives launched an investigation after receiving information from the FCPS Office of Auditor General regarding an employee’s alleged fraudulent use of school-issued payment cards. The investigation involved unauthorized expenses related to personal travel and attendance at events unrelated to the employee’s official duties.
Through their investigation, detectives determined that Darin Thompson, 51, of Lorton, the former principal of Hayfield Secondary School, used nearly $8,000 in school funds for unauthorized personal expenses.
Detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Thompson. Today he turned himself in at the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center where he was charged with Felony Embezzlement. Thompson was released on a $3,000 unsecured bond.
Thompson has been employed with FCPS since July 2023. He was placed on administrative leave after FCPS became aware of the allegations and initiated an investigation, and he has now been suspended following his arrest.
Detectives are asking anyone with information regarding this incident to call our Financial Crimes Unit at 703-246-3533. Submit a tip anonymously through Crime Solvers of Fairfax County (www.crimesolversfairfax.org) by downloading the P3Tips app (either Apple or Android) or by calling the Crime Solvers tip line at 866-411-8477. Tipsters should continue to log in to the app or check the Crime Solvers website to determine whether further information about your tip is needed or a reward is available. Please leave contact information if you wish for a detective to follow up with you.
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