Justin Riggs, a former Maryland State Trooper from Smithsburg, has pleaded guilty to federal charges related to drug distribution and bribery. The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney for the District of Maryland, Phil Selden, alongside Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno of 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."
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 admitted that while serving as a Maryland State Trooper in December 2022, he was involved in investigating drug-and-gun trafficking in Western Maryland. He created a fictitious Facebook account to communicate with a drug distributor target and disclosed sensitive information about an informant's identity.
The plea agreement proposes that if accepted by the court, Riggs will face between 48 and 108 months in federal prison. Sentencing will be scheduled by U.S. District Judge Stephanie A. Gallagher.
Acting United States Attorney Selden praised the collaborative efforts of several agencies including the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, Maryland State Police, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for their role in the investigation. He also acknowledged Assistant United States Attorneys Christine Goo and Sean Delaney for prosecuting the case.
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