A former Maryland State Trooper has been sentenced to six years in federal prison for his role in a bribery and drug conspiracy scheme. Justin Riggs, 35, of Smithsburg, Maryland, will also serve three years of supervised release following his prison term. Riggs was convicted of conspiracy to distribute and possess controlled dangerous substances, using a communication facility to facilitate drug distribution, and violating the Travel Act for bribery in Maryland.
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According to court documents, Riggs was assigned to a Maryland State Police unit targeting drug and gun trafficking in Western Maryland when he began illegally communicating with a drug distributor in December 2022. Using a fake Facebook account, Riggs identified himself as working for a federal agency and offered to sell confidential information about a key informant involved in an ongoing investigation. Over several months, Riggs engaged in negotiations, seeking payment in exchange for details that could undermine law enforcement efforts.
Throughout the correspondence, Riggs proposed a financial arrangement, ultimately demanding $1,500 in exchange for disclosing sensitive information. The transaction was completed when an associate of Riggs collected the money at a prearranged location in Western Maryland. Riggs later confirmed receipt of the payment in a follow-up message.
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The investigation into Riggs’ actions was conducted by the FBI’s Baltimore Field Office with support from the Maryland State Police. Additional assistance was provided by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). The case was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland.
Article by multiple contributors, based upon information from U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Maryland press release
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