Justin Riggs, a former Maryland State Trooper, has admitted guilt to federal charges including conspiracy to distribute and possess controlled substances, use of communication facilities for drug distribution, and bribery under the Travel Act in Maryland. This development was announced by Phil Selden, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Maryland, alongside Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno from the FBI Baltimore Field Division.
"As a law enforcement officer, Justin Riggs violated his sworn duty to uphold the public trust and put a life in harm’s way," stated Acting United States Attorney Selden. "The District of Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office will relentlessly pursue corrupt law-enforcement officers who try to dishonor their badge as we also work to support the many honorable officers whose reputations they unfairly tarnish."
SAC DelBagno added, "Not only did Riggs deliberately and willingly violate the oath he took as a sworn law enforcement officer, but he also put other lives at risk with his greed and deceit. The FBI is committed to working with our partners to thoroughly investigate such cases to protect the American people and preserve public trust in law enforcement."
Riggs's guilty plea reveals that during December 2022, while serving as a state trooper on a team investigating drug-and-gun trafficking in Western Maryland, he engaged in illicit activities using at least one confidential human source. He created a fake Facebook account to communicate with a target involved in drug distribution. In these communications, Riggs claimed affiliation with "a fed agency" and offered sensitive information about an informant's identity.
The court will determine if it accepts the plea agreement proposing a prison sentence ranging from 48 to 108 months for Riggs. U.S. District Judge Stephanie A. Gallagher will set sentencing at a future date.
Acting United States Attorney Selden acknowledged contributions from multiple agencies including the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, Maryland State Police, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in this investigation. He also recognized Assistant United States Attorneys Christine Goo and Sean Delaney for their role in prosecuting this case.
For more details about initiatives from the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office or community resources available through them visit their official website.