BALTIMORE – Former Maryland State Trooper Justin Riggs, 35, of Smithsburg, has been sentenced to six years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for his role in a corruption and drug conspiracy case that involved attempting to sell law enforcement intelligence to a known drug trafficker.
U.S. District Judge Stephanie A. Gallagher handed down the sentence on June 23, 2025. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Kelly O. Hayes and FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge Amanda M. Koldjeski.
According to Riggs’ guilty plea, he used a fake Facebook account in December 2022 to contact a drug distributor under investigation by the Maryland State Police (MSP), where Riggs was then employed. Riggs falsely claimed he worked “for a fed agency” and offered to provide the identity of a confidential informant, saying he had “tons more info” and was simply trying “to get paid.”
Riggs continued communication throughout late December 2022 and early January 2023, negotiating the sale of law enforcement intelligence. He warned the dealer of surveillance trackers, impending wiretaps, and confidential recordings, all while attempting to profit from the information.
He ultimately accepted $1,500 in cash—collected by an intermediary—as part of the exchange.
Investigators from the FBI, Maryland State Police, ATF, and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) were involved in the case, which exposed a grave breach of public trust and law enforcement misconduct.
Riggs was convicted of:
Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances
Use of a Communication Facility to Facilitate Drug Distribution
Violation of the Travel Act (Maryland Bribery)
Riggs’ actions, according to prosecutors, undermined an active narcotics investigation and endangered lives by attempting to expose a cooperating informant. He was immediately removed from duty and charged following the FBI-led investigation.
U.S. Attorney Hayes praised the efforts of law enforcement and Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean R. Delaney, who led the prosecution.
