Former Democratic Mayor Pleads Guilty To Felony Drug Distribution

These booking photos provided by the Fairfax County, Va., Police Department show, from left, Fairfax Mayor Richard “Scott” Silverthorne, Juan Jose Fernandez, 34, and Caustin Lee McLaughlin, 21, both of Maryland / AP

Former Democratic Mayor of Fairfax, Va. Richard "Scott" Silverthorne pleaded guilty to a felony drug distribution charge on Monday. The former elected official was arrested in August on the charge according to USA Today.

Silverthorne was arrested on August 4 after selling $200 worth of methamphetamine to undercover officers in exchange for a group sexual encounter.


The ex-mayor will be held in custody until his sentencing hearing. The charge against him carries a maximum of a $500,000 fine and 40 years in prison.

Silverthorne was a substitute teacher in Fairfax County schools and served on the Fairfax City Council from 1990 until 2008 and again in 2011 before being elected mayor. Shortly before his arrest, Silverthorne won re-election for a third term as mayor. He resigned from office shortly after his August arrest.

Two other men were arrested on felony drug charges with Silverthorne during the undercover sting.

Published under: Virginia

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