He and two other men that police said were his suppliers were arrested for distribution of methamphetamine.
Advertisement
During a drug investigation that began last month, detectives linked Silverthorne to a website used to arrange casual sexual encounters between men.
These booking photos provided by the Fairfax County, Va., Police Department show, from left, City of Fairfax, Va. Mayor Richard “Scott” Silverthorne, Juan Jose Fernandez, 34, and Caustin Lee McLaughlin, 21, both of Maryland.
Silverthorne allegedly told the detective he could provide meth “in exchange for sexual encounters”, police said.
Silverthorne is charged with distribution of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.
When an undercover detective met with Silverthorne at the hotel, police said Silverthorne provided two grams of methamphetamine.
Authorities said they don’t know how long Silverthorne was on the website, which police did not identify.
On August 4 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Tysons Corner, police say Silverthorne provided the drug to undercover officers and was subsequently arrested.
Silverthorne announced that he will resign effective at noon on Monday, WTTG-TV (Fox 5) reported. Through text messages, Silverthorne declined to discuss the charges. The city council has scheduled a special meeting Tuesday night.
In a news release, the city said it expects to follow state law in filling the vacancy caused by Silverthorne’s departure. He was also employed as a substitute teacher for the Fairfax County Public Schools.
Advertisement
In 2016, Silverthorne was elected to his third term as mayor.
