A former Maryland state trooper faces 48 to 108 months in federal prison.
Justin Riggs, 35, pleaded guilty to federal charges including conspiracy to distribute, conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute controlled dangerous substances, use of a communication facility to cause or facilitate the conspiracy to distribute controlled dangerous substances, and Travel Act-State of Maryland Bribery.
In 2022, Riggs was a member of a Maryland State Police squad investigating drug and weapons trafficking in western Maryland.
Throughout the inquiry, the team relied on at least one confidential source. Riggs used a fictitious Facebook account to contact a drug distribution target.
Officials claim Riggs informed them he worked “for a federal agency.” He also said he had “tons more information pertaining to your biggest informant.”
Between 2022 and 2023, the former trooper approached the drug distributor multiple times, attempting to sell the informant’s name.