Two Utah Homeland Security agents face serious charges in a shocking drug distribution and evidence misconduct scandal that has rocked the law enforcement community.
At a Glance
- Nicholas Kindle and David Cole, two Utah Homeland Security agents, charged with drug distribution conspiracy.
- Agents accused of selling seized drugs, including bath salts, for personal profit.
- Scheme allegedly generated between $195,000 and $300,000.
- Both agents face lengthy prison sentences if convicted.
Agents Charged in Drug Distribution Scandal
In a stunning turn of events, two Utah-based Homeland Security agents, Nicholas Kindle and David Cole, have been charged with serious crimes involving drug distribution and evidence mishandling. Kindle, the second agent to be charged, faces allegations of employing a confidential informant to sell drug evidence, actions allegedly carried out in collaboration with his colleague, Cole.
Both agents are facing felony drug distribution conspiracy charges, with Kindle additionally charged with conspiracy to convert U.S. government property for profit. The alleged criminal activities involved liquidating drugs from evidence storage, pocketing cash and other assets, and using encrypted applications to maintain secrecy.
Second Homeland Security agent in Utah charged with selling illicit drugs from evidence https://t.co/6s1cvHMzjV
— The Associated Press (@AP) January 3, 2025
Details of the Alleged Scheme
According to court documents, Kindle and Cole 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.
“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 involved transactions of one ounce of bath salts for $5,000, which were then resold at a higher cost. The confidential informant, recruited while in prison, claimed he was compelled by the agents to engage in illegal sales. Disturbingly, the agents did not arrest any individuals involved in the drug sales nor provided the informant with tools to gather evidence.
Investigation and Legal Proceedings
The investigation into these alleged criminal activities began in October 2024 after the informant’s lawyer reported the illegal sales to authorities. The FBI launched an investigation, using controlled drug buys to gather evidence against Kindle and Cole. During raids on the defendants’ properties, investigators seized over $67,000 in cash and bath salts.
“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 January 21 in Salt Lake City, and he faces up to 25 years in prison if convicted. Cole, who was indicted on December 18, pleaded not guilty and is set to stand trial the week of February 24, facing up to 20 years if convicted. Both agents’ Homeland Security credentials have been suspended but not terminated.
Implications and Breach of Trust
This case highlights a profound breach of public trust and underscores the vulnerabilities within institutional law enforcement responsibilities. The agents are also accused of stealing evidence, including cash, a diamond ring, and a Peruvian antiquity, from legitimate investigations, further compounding the severity of their alleged crimes.
As the legal proceedings unfold, this case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of integrity within law enforcement agencies and the devastating consequences when that trust is betrayed. The outcome of these trials will likely have far-reaching implications for Homeland Security and other law enforcement agencies across the nation.
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
