[Archived] Former City of Alexandria Employee Charged with Embezzlement

­­For Immediate Release: January 30, 2019

Arrian B. Mercer, a former traffic technician for the City of Alexandria, was arrested by Alexandria police officers on January 17 and charged with felony embezzlement of public property. 

The City’s Department of Transportation and Environmental Services identified suspicious activity and notified the City Manager’s Office, which in turn directed the Police Department to conduct a criminal investigation and the Office of Internal Audit to conduct an internal investigation. These investigations determined that between January and July 2019, Mr. Mercer allegedly sold more than $10,000 worth of traffic signal cable to scrap dealers for personal gain. The City terminated Mr. Mercer’s employment on July 31, 2019.

An arrest warrant was obtained in December 2019. Mr. Mercer was arrested once his location could be determined. The City has implemented new procedures to enhance the security of public property, and additional measures are under review. 

For media inquiries, please contact Craig T. Fifer, Director of Communications and Public Information, at craig.fifer@alexandriava.gov or 703.746.3965. However, because this matter is part of an ongoing criminal investigation and prosecution, it would be inappropriate for the City to publish additional evidence that may be necessary to prosecute the case. The Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney is the lead agency for the criminal prosecution and has indicated that it will not make public comments about this case outside of regular courtroom proceedings.