Ex-Fairfax Mayor Scott Silverthorne Pleads Guilty to Drug Charge

FAIRFAX, VA — Former Fairfax City major Scott Silverthorne pleaded guilty Monday to one count of distributing methamphetamine in a sex-for-drugs plan derailed by a police sting operation last August that ended his long tenure as the city leader.

He was denied bond and taken to jail to await his June 9 sentencing. He previously had remained free on personal recognizance.

Silverthorne, 50, faces up to 40 years in prison.

But his lawyer, Brian Drummond, told the Washington Post that given his first-time offender status and is long record of public service, a sentence of months or a year appears more likely.

"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."

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.

David L. Meyer became the new mayor last month after winning a special election.

Photo: Fairfax County Police