Three charged in connection to embezzlement of thousands of public schools laptops, police say

Fairfax County police have charged three people in connection to the embezzlement of as many as 35,000 Fairfax County Public Schools laptops with an estimated value of over $2 million, police said.

In March, detectives were notified that several thousand laptops were believed to be illegally reallocated and stored at a Springfield warehouse, in the 6800 block of Industrial Road, and were set to be auctioned.

Detectives identified a box truck registered to Attyah Computer Recycling (44190 Waxpool Rd Ste 157, Ashburn) that went to the warehouse on multiple occasions, police said. Laptops and computer parts would be loaded into the truck, and the driver would leave without showing any paperwork.

Detectives were conducting surveillance at the warehouse on July 14 and observed the truck arrive, police said. They conducted a traffic stop and found stolen laptops in the vehicle. The driver, Fadi Atiyeh, 36, of Centreville, was arrested and charged with receiving stolen property and larceny with the intent to distribute. Detectives determined he was employed by Attyah Computer Recycling where a search warrant was executed and additional evidence was recovered.

Police identified two warehouse employees, who were also employed by FCPS, as facilitating the transactions. Franque Minor II, 35, of Maryland, and Mario Jones Jr., 21, of Woodbridge, were charged with embezzlement and larceny with the intent to distribute.

While the detectives are still combing through evidence, they believe as many as 35,000 laptops were stolen with an estimated value of over $2 million. They believe the offenses date back to November of 2020.

Police ask anyone with information to call detectives at 703-256-8035. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Solvers by phone – 1-866-411-TIPS (866-411-8477), and by web.