Virginia Mayor Traded Meth for Sex, Caught in Sting: Police

FAIRFAX CITY, VA — Mayor Scott Silverthorne is accused of offering meth to undercover officers in exchange for a sexual encounter, according to Fairfax County Police. He is one of three suspects arrested in the bust, investigators announced Friday morning.

Richard "Scott" Silverthorne, 50, has been charged with felony distribution of methamphetamine and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia.

According to investigators, Silverthorne allegedly offered the meth in exchange for what he believed would be a group sexual encounter Thursday at a Tysons Corner hotel.

In late July, narcotics detectives received a tip claiming that Silverthorne was supplying meth in exchange for sex through a website used for casual sexual encounters. An undercover detective created a profile on the page and was allegedly approached by Silverthorne a few days later through a message on the site.

In later text messages, Silverthorne allegedly offered to provide meth during a group sexual encounter, according to Fairfax County Police. He reportedly met undercover detectives Thursday at the Crowne Plaza Hotel at 1960 Chain Bridge Road and was taken into custody after allegedly providing meth to the detectives.

Capt. Jack Hardin with Fairfax County Police said it appeared Silverthorne would meet with his suppliers in advance of planned encounters. It did not appear after a search of Silverthorne's home that he kept a supply of methamphetamine, Hardin said.

Silverthorne was reelected in May. A profile in The Washington Post at the time noted Silverthorne had overcome a tough year after losing his job in 2015 and a bout with a nonlethal form of cancer, squamous cell carcinoma. Silverthorne had been hired as a substitute teacher with Fairfax County Public Schools, according to police.

Following city code, Councilmember Jeffrey Greenfield will serve as acting mayor effective immediately. The city made the announcement in a statement Friday morning.

Detectives also arrested two suspects accused of being Silverthorne's suppliers.

Juan Jose Fernandez, 34, of Maryland, is charged with felony distribution of methamphetamine, felony possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia.

Caustin Lee McLaughlin, 21, of Maryland. was charged with felony distribution of methamphetamine, felony obstruction of justice, and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia. McLaughlin allegedly resisted arrest and was Tasered, according to Fairfax County Police.

Detectives are looking for anyone who may have more information in the case.