Two Homeland Security officials in Utah face serious charges for allegedly selling seized drugs and mishandling evidence, potentially netting hundreds of thousands of dollars in illicit profits.
At a Glance
- Nicholas Kindle and David Cole, Homeland Security agents, charged with drug distribution conspiracy.
- Agents allegedly sold seized bath salts to drug dealers through a confidential informant.
- Scheme reportedly generated between $195,000 and $300,000.
- Both face potential prison sentences if convicted.
Agents Charged in Drug Distribution Scheme
In a shocking turn of events, two Homeland Security officials in Utah have been accused of engaging in a drug distribution scheme involving evidence seized during investigations. Nicholas Kindle and David Cole, both special agents, are facing felony charges for allegedly selling illegal drugs taken from seized evidence. The case has sent ripples through federal law enforcement circles and raised serious questions about internal oversight within the Department of Homeland Security.
Kindle was arrested three weeks after his alleged co-conspirator, Cole. Both agents face felony drug distribution conspiracy charges, with Kindle also charged with conspiracy to convert U.S. government property for profit. The drugs involved are synthetic bath salts, known as Alpha-PHP, which have effects similar to methamphetamine and cocaine.
Details of the Alleged Scheme
According to court documents, Cole and Kindle allegedly began acquiring drugs from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) evidence in 2021. They sold these drugs to a confidential informant from 2022 to 2024, allowing the informant to resell the drugs without investigation or arrest of the buyers. The transactions typically involved one ounce of bath salts for $5,000, which was then resold at a higher cost.
“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 scheme reportedly generated between $195,000 and $300,000. During raids on the defendants’ properties, investigators seized over $67,000 in cash and bath salts. The agents are also accused of stealing evidence, including cash, a diamond ring, and a Peruvian antiquity, from legitimate investigations.
Investigation and Legal Proceedings
The investigation into Cole and Kindle began in October 2024 after the confidential informant’s lawyer reported the illegal sales to authorities. The FBI launched an investigation, using controlled drug buys to gather evidence against the agents. Eight illegal drug transactions were recorded by investigators.
“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
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. Their Homeland Security credentials have been suspended but not terminated.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of integrity in law enforcement and the need for robust internal oversight mechanisms within federal agencies. As the legal proceedings unfold, many will be watching closely to see how the Department of Homeland Security addresses these serious breaches of trust and works to prevent similar incidents in the future.
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
