Mayor Involved In Sex-For-Drugs Scandal Remains In Jail

Former Fairfax City, Virginia, Mayor Richard “Scott” Silverthorne pleaded guilty Monday to methamphetamine distribution after police caught him exchanging sex for drugs on a dating website. He was also ordered to remain in custody until his sentencing June 9.

Silverthorne, 51, who faced charges after police said he gave $200 worth of meth to an undercover police officer last August at the Tysons Corner hotel, pleaded guilty to one count of distributing crystal meth in Fairfax County Circuit Court, reports said.

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Silverthorne allegedly distributed meth through a website called Bare Back Real Time, which was used to meet men and exchange drugs for sexual encounters, police said. Police said a tip received in July about the then-mayor exchanging sex for drugs led officers to create a fake profile to entice Silverthorne, who was using an account under the name “Anotherfundcbottom," leading to last summer's meetup.

The meth bust ended the three-term mayor's political career indefinitely. Silverthorne also was fired from his position as a substitute teacher for Fairfax County Public Schools.

Silverthorne may face as much as 40 years in prison with a possible fine of $500,000. Attorney Brian Drummond said the ex-politician might get a light sentence — or even just probation — since he’s a first-time offender who has a long track record of public service, according to the Washington Post.

“The facts were such that it would have been futile to go to trial,” Drummond said. “The statute for distribution in Virginia is very broad and he is at the lower end of the spectrum. He is guilty of the transaction, but he didn’t get any money for it.”

Many of Silverthorne’s friends and relatives were in the courtroom and were shocked by the judge’s decision.

“I love him. He made a mistake,” said Mary Silverthorne, his sister-in-law. “Who is going to throw that stone? I know he’s learned from his mistake.”