The mayor of Fairfax City is one of three people caught trying to distribute methamphetamine in exchange for sex, Fairfax County police said.
Mayor Richard “Scott” Silverthorne, who is also a substitute teacher for the Fairfax County Public Schools, was arrested Thursday after police said he tried to distribute meth to undercover detectives.
The investigation began in July after police learned of a possible meth dealer. Police said the suspect, later identified as Mayor Silverthorne, allegedly tried to distribute meth through a website used to arrange for casual sex between men.
An undercover detective then created a profile on the site and within a few days made contact with Silverthorne. The two made arrangements to meet at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Tysons Corner where he would exchange the meth for “a group sexual encounter.”
Thursday night, the 50-year-old mayor met the undercover detectives and provided two grams of meth. He was arrested and charged with felony distribution of methamphetamine and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia.
Police said the mayor was compliant and provided a full confession of everything he did.
Friday, the City of Fairfax released the following statement:
The City has been informed of the arrest of Mayor R. Scott Silverthorne by Fairfax County Police. In accordance with Section 5.3 of the City Charter, Mayor Silverthorne has appointed Councilmember Jeffrey C. Greenfield to serve as Acting Mayor, effective immediately.
In the Commonwealth of Virginia, cities are administered through a Council-Manager form of government, in which the City Manager administers the day to day operations of the City. City operations will continue as usual.
During their investigation, investigators learned of his alleged suppliers, 34-year-old Juan Jose Fernandez and 21-year-old Caustin Lee McLaughlin.
Fernandez was charged with of felony distribution of methamphetamine, felony possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia. McLaughlin was charged with felony distribution of methamphetamine, felony obstruction of justice and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia.
Officials say they are not anticipating additional investigative steps on this case unless someone else has information.
Detectives would like to speak with anyone who may have related information regarding this investigation by calling 703-691-2131. Callers who wish to remain anonymous may provide information through Crime Solvers electronically by visiting www.fairfaxcrimesolvers.org or by calling 1-866-411-TIPS(8477).
