A six-year prison sentence was handed down to former Maryland State Trooper Justin Riggs following his involvement in bribery and drug-related offenses. According to FOX Baltimore, the 35-year-old from Smithsburg, Maryland, will also face three years of supervised release after completing his prison term as ordered by U.S. District Judge Stephanie A. Gallagher.
In a scheme to exchange sensitive information for cash, Riggs admitted to using a fictitious Facebook account to communicate with a drug dealer. At the same time, he was assigned to the state police unit that was to probe into drug and gun trafficking in Western Maryland. "There’s a big case that’s going on. I'm here to work with you," Riggs said, as recounted by WMAR-2 News, indicating a willingness to sell out an informant for personal gain.
These incriminating conversations occurred sporadically between December 2022 and January 2023, with Riggs intensifying his efforts to convince the drug distributor to pay him. On one occasion, Riggs mentioned, "That’s why I need money for the info. I know what’ll happen to the rat," signaling the gravity of the information he was offering and the potential consequences for the informant.
By January 5th, a transaction had taken place. "If you make the 1,500 drop then I’ll just give ya the rest of the info," Riggs negotiated, as reported by WMAR-2 News. This arrangement led to an individual on Riggs' behalf picking up $1,500 in Western Maryland—a transaction that Riggs confirmed later.
In response to the arrest and sentencing, U.S. Attorney Kelly O. Hayes expressed appreciation for the efforts of the FBI and Maryland State Police, along with the ATF and HSI, for their roles in the investigation.
