UPDATE 3:40 p.m. Fairfax County Schools Spokesman John Torre told WMAL News Friday afternoon that Silverthorne started working as a substitute teacher in the school system in April but has been fired.
WASHINGTON — (WMAL) Fairfax County Police arrested the Fairfax City Mayor, who also works as a subsitute teacher at Fairfax County Public Schools, Thursday after they say he tried to exchange methamphetamines for sex.
The investigation started after a citizen tipped off police that Richard “Scott” Silverthorne was likely using a gay website to make arrangements to exchange the controlled substance for sex.
“An undercover detective from our department created a profile on this website, and within just a few days the suspect made contact with us,” Major Andrew Carol told reporters Friday.
Silverthorne met the detective Thursday, handed over the drugs and was arrested and charged with felony distribution of methamphetamine and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia.
After his arrest, police arrested the two men they believe sold the mayor the meth: Juan Jose Fernandez and Caustin Lee McLaughlin of Maryland. Both were charged with felony distribution of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.
“During the arrest of McLauglin, he physically resisted with one of the detectives that was attempting to take him into custody on the felony charge,” Carol said adding the detective used a taser on McLaughlin. Neither he nor the detectives were injured.
After resisting arrest, McLaughlin was also charged with felony obstruction of justice.
All three men were taken to the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center.
Copyright 2016 by WMAL.com. All Rights Reserved. (Photo: Fairfax County Police Department)
