Maryland
Maryland state trooper faces federal drug, bribery charges for allegedly leaking information to suspect for cash
A Maryland state trooper was arrested Saturday and faces federal drug and bribery expenses after allegedly offering data to a suspect in trade for cash.
A redacted affidavit filed in U.S. District Courtroom on Monday accused Justin Riggs of sharing investigative particulars, together with false plans for a wiretap in February that have been a part of a ruse by investigators to catch the individual leaking data, with somebody recognized solely as “Drug Distributor 1.”
The affidavit described Riggs on Thursday choosing up $1,800 from behind the dumpsters of a Crimson Roof Inn about six miles from the state police barrack the place he works.
Marcia Lubin, a spokesperson for the U.S. Legal professional’s Workplace for the District of Maryland, mentioned Riggs was arrested two days later and had his preliminary look in courtroom Monday. A detention listening to is scheduled for Friday, Lubin mentioned.
Courtroom information present he’s charged with conspiracy to distribute medicine, use of interstate amenities to commit bribery and use of interstate amenities to help and abet drug distribution. No lawyer for Riggs is listed in on-line courtroom information.
The Maryland State Police didn’t instantly return a request for remark despatched Monday night.
The redacted sworn affidavit from a activity pressure officer working with the FBI Public and Border Corruption Process Drive mentioned Riggs has been a state trooper with the state police since February 2012, most not too long ago assigned to a drug unit in western Maryland known as “WRENS,” or Western Area Enforcement – Narcotics Part.
It says Riggs informed a suspect, Drug Distributor 1, that he wished cash for data and that he was a member of federal legislation enforcement. The precise amount of cash is redacted.
Riggs is accused of telling the suspect that he and one other individual have been underneath a “RICO” investigation — referring to the federal legislation focusing on legal organizations. The affidavit additionally describes data in messages together with a tracker and an informant.
The affidavit mentioned the FBI joined the state police and different federal businesses to analyze who leaked data to the suspect.
The doc quotes from Fb messages exchanged between Riggs and the suspect, together with discussing how a lot cash can be exchanged.
“I can’t reply with out cost,” Riggs is accused of writing. “Even a small cost I can get you your solutions.”
Riggs then allegedly leaked details about a wire faucet to the suspect, however that plan was a “ruse” on the FBI’s path, based on the affidavit. He was the one member of the group not conscious of the FBI probe into the data leak.
“They’re going up on a wire faucet in your cellphone,” he allegedly wrote. “So all the things can be monitored. Any name or textual content to a different member will drag them into the Rico case…”
The affidavit additionally states Riggs’ credit score report listed 5 bank cards, all of which have been at or exceeding their credit score restrict in December. He owed $34,000 on them. His debt obligations, the doc mentioned, exceeded $67,000, not together with his mortgage or loans.