Three people employed by Fairfax County Public Schools were arrested this week for different crimes at local schools, including one case of allegedly inappropriate behavior with a student.
According to the Fairfax County Police Department, Langley High School math teacher Matthew Thorsen, 38, was taken into custody at his home in Reston yesterday (Thursday) after detectives found that he had “engaged in unlawful and inappropriate contact with a student.”
“On June 2, the School Resource Officer (SRO) assigned to Langley High School was notified of concerns regarding inappropriate behavior involving a teacher and a student,” the FCPD said in a press release. “Detectives from the Child Abuse Squad were notified and assumed the investigation.”
Thorsen was placed on administrative leave by FCPS once the allegations came to light, police said. He has been working at the school system since 2015, according to his LinkedIn profile.
Thorsen has been charged with three counts of indecent liberties by a custodian and one count of using a communications device to solicit sex from a minor. Both charges are classified as Class 6 felonies in Virginia punishable with one to five years in prison.
The date of all offenses is listed in online court records as Aug. 18, 2025.
He remains in custody at the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center without bond following an arraignment this morning (Friday), according to court records. The county’s Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court has scheduled a preliminary hearing in the case for Aug. 21 at 11 a.m.
Funds embezzled from Hayfield, police say
Separately, a finance technician at Hayfield Secondary School has been accused of embezzling over $40,000 from the school.
FCPD detectives began investigating the school’s finances after FCPS Auditor General Esther Ko’s office reported “potential misappropriation of funds by an employee.”
Following an investigation, detectives obtained warrants charging Stephanie Gale, a 45-year-old Lorton resident, with embezzlement and computer fraud. She turned herself in at the county jail on Monday (June 1), the FCPD says.
Court records list the date of the alleged embezzlement as Jan. 1, 2023.
Gale was released on her own recognizance but is scheduled to appear in Fairfax County General District Court for an arraignment on Monday (June 8), followed by a preliminary hearing at 2 p.m. on Aug. 10.
In a letter sent to families today, Hayfield principal Tony DiBari confirmed without naming her that Gale has been suspended without pay following her arrest. Hired by FCPS in 2019, she had worked in other positions before joining Hayfield Secondary School.
“We have been working closely with Fairfax County Police after this was uncovered during a routine financial audit that began as I joined the team at Hayfield Secondary School,” DiBari wrote. “I will continue to support this investigation and will address any other issues that may be identified.”
The principal added that any concerns or information can be shared with FCPS’ anonymous tipline, or the FCPD’s Criminal Investigations Division through Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS (866-411-8477).
In Virginia, embezzlement is considered a felony akin to larceny, with thefts of $1,000 or more from a business or organization carrying a potential sentence of one to 20 years in a state prison or up to 12 months of jail, depending on whether the case is being tried with a jury. Computer fraud involving over $1,000 is a Class 5 felony, which could result in one to 10 years in prison.
Man charged with stealing woodworking tools
A facilities worker employed by FCPS since 2022 has been charged with grand larceny for allegedly swiping woodworking tools from Chantilly High School, police say.
“On May 29, the School Resource Officer (SRO) assigned to Chantilly High School was notified after school administrators became aware that an employee had allegedly stolen a bag containing various tools from a woodworking class,” the FCPD said in a press release. “The tools were estimated to be worth approximately $1,200.”
Police say their investigation identified Trevor Papavasiliou, a 34-year-old man from Culpeper, as the suspect. After detectives obtained a warrant charging him with grand larceny, the man turned himself in at the Fair Oaks District Station yesterday.
The man was released on his own recognizance ahead of an arraignment next Wednesday (June 10). A preliminary hearing has been scheduled in general district court for 2 p.m. on Aug. 12.
According to the FCPD, the man was suspended from his position in FCPS’ facilities department after his arrest.
Though FCPS typically limits comments on police investigations, Superintendent Michelle Reid acknowledged the recent slew of incidents in a statement, while stressing the school system’s commitment to the safety of its students and staff:
Every day, we strive to provide a positive, safe, and engaging learning environment for our more than 180,000 students and 40,000 employees. While most of our school community works tirelessly, often without recognition, to support student success, there are occasions when inappropriate or illegal actions occur and attract significant public attention.
In those moments, it is important that we focus on accountability, student and staff well-being, and continuous improvement. When incidents arise, we collaborate with appropriate law enforcement and administrative authorities to address them.
We also believe it is important to recognize the thousands of FCPS students, teachers, and staff members who demonstrate integrity, dedication, and professionalism every day. Their commitment is the foundation of our school community, and we remain committed to ensuring concerns are addressed appropriately while continuing to build a stronger, safer environment for all.
We remain grateful for our strong partnership with law enforcement.
The safety of all FCPS students and staff remains a top priority.
