Two Homeland Security agents in Utah face serious charges for allegedly selling seized drugs and manipulating evidence, raising concerns about law enforcement integrity.
At a Glance
- Nicholas Kindle and David Cole, Homeland Security agents, charged with drug distribution conspiracy.
- Agents accused of selling seized bath salts through a confidential informant.
- Scheme allegedly generated between $195,000 and $300,000.
- Both agents face significant prison time if convicted.
Agents Accused of Selling Seized Drugs
In a shocking breach of public trust, two Homeland Security agents based in Utah have been charged with selling illegal drugs seized as evidence. Nicholas Kindle and David Cole, both special agents, face felony drug distribution conspiracy charges. Kindle was arrested three weeks after Cole, his alleged co-conspirator, and faces an additional charge of conspiracy to convert U.S. government property for profit.
The agents allegedly began acquiring drugs from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) evidence in 2021 and sold them to a confidential informant from 2022 to 2024. The drugs involved were synthetic bath salts, known as Alpha-PHP, with effects similar to methamphetamine and cocaine. Transactions typically involved one ounce of bath salts for $5,000, which was then resold at a higher cost.
Second Homeland Security agent in Utah charged with selling illicit drugs from evidence https://t.co/6s1cvHMzjV
— The Associated Press (@AP) January 3, 2025
Scope of the Alleged Criminal Activity
The scale of this alleged criminal enterprise is significant. Investigators seized over $67,000 in cash and bath salts during raids on the defendants’ properties. Court documents suggest the scheme generated between $195,000 and $300,000. The agents are also accused of stealing evidence, including cash, a diamond ring, and a Peruvian antiquity, from legitimate investigations.
“Kindle and Cole used their positions as special agents to wrongfully obtain illegal narcotics seized by the Department of Homeland Security and other law enforcement agencies and then sold the illegal narcotics to drug dealers … for their own personal enrichment.” – federal court documents
The agents reportedly used an encrypted messaging app to coordinate drug sales with the confidential informant. Eight illegal drug transactions were recorded by investigators. Disturbingly, the informant was allowed to resell the drugs, and buyers were not investigated or arrested, raising questions about the extent of the corruption.
Investigation and Legal Proceedings
The investigation began in October 2024 after the informant’s lawyer reported the illegal sales. The FBI launched an investigation, using controlled drug buys to gather evidence against Kindle and Cole. Kindle’s initial court appearance is set for Jan. 21 in Salt Lake City, and he faces up to 25 years in prison if convicted. Cole was indicted on Dec. 18, pleaded not guilty, and is set to stand trial the week of Feb. 24, facing up to 20 years if convicted.
“A drug dealer who carries a badge is still a drug dealer—and one who has violated an oath to uphold the law and protect the public” – Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri
While their Homeland Security credentials have been suspended, they have not been terminated. This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of integrity in law enforcement and the need for robust oversight to prevent such egregious abuses of power.
Sources:
- Homeland Security Agents Charged With Selling Illegal Drugs Seized as Evidence
- 2nd Utah Homeland Security agent charged with selling seized drugs to drug dealers
- Second Homeland Security agent in Utah charged with selling illicit drugs from evidence
