Manassas City Police Department grieves for loss, victims, and their families

Manassas City Police Department is mourning the loss of one of its officers, who took his own life at his home in Prince William County early today, according to Adrienne Helms, crime prevention specialist and MCPD spokesman.

Helms said Manassas City Police were notified Dec. 14, 2015 by Prince William County Police that an allegation of criminal misconduct was made against a Manassas City Police Officer. The officer was identified as Det. D. E. Abbott, Jr., who was assigned to the Northern Virginia-Washington, DC (NOVA-DC ICAC) Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.

While Manassas City Police fully cooperated and assisted Prince William County Police with its investigation into the allegations, Helms said Manassas City Police played no direct role in interviewing Det. Abbott about the charges prior to his taking his own life on the morning of Dec. 15, 2015.

Through their investigation, Prince William County Police obtained felony warrants for Indecent Liberties with a Minor (X2) and Use of a Communications Device to Solicit a Minor (X2) against Det. Abbott.

The Manassas police spokesman went on to say that Prince William County Police are still heavily involved in investigating the allegations to ensure justice and that victim assistance is made available for any potential victims and their families.

“This is a tragic and sad day for the Abbott family, the juvenile victims and their families, the Manassas City Police Department, and our community. In spite of these recent developments regarding the serious allegations against him, we are grateful for the contributions Det. Abbott made during his time with Manassas City Police, to include the prosecution and conviction of hundreds of criminals. His family and peers request privacy during this time as we grieve and struggle to accept the realities of such a loss,” Helms concluded.