Nicholas Kindle, a special agent investigating illegal narcotics trafficking, was arrested in Utah and charged in federal court for a shocking crime – selling illicit drugs seized by Homeland Security. This comes just weeks after his alleged co-conspirator, special agent David Cole, faced similar charges. The two men stand accused of felony drug distribution conspiracy, with Kindle facing an additional charge of conspiring to profit from U.S. government property. If found guilty, Kindle could potentially spend 25 years behind bars, while Cole faces up to 20 years.
### Agents Turned Criminals
Kindle and Cole, whose Homeland Security credentials have been suspended, are accused of abusing their positions to acquire illegal drugs called “bath salts” from evidence. These drugs were allegedly obtained from Homeland Security evidence and other law enforcement personnel, including U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers. The agents purportedly lied about needing the drugs for legitimate investigations, leading to a string of criminal activities.
### The Scheme Unveiled
Between 2022 and 2024, Kindle and Cole allegedly sold these stolen drugs to a confidential informant associated with the department. Instead of arresting the customers, the pair allowed the informant to resell the drugs, netting between $195,000 to $300,000 in profit. The agents further coerced the informant, who was recruited after being released from prison, into acting as a middleman for their drug deals.
### FBI Investigation Unveils Deception
The FBI launched an investigation in October 2024 after the informant’s lawyer raised concerns about potentially unlawful acts involving Kindle and Cole. Over the course of the investigation, agents tracked the duo and recorded eight instances of illegal drug sales to the informant. The shocking revelation came when the informant handed the FBI a plastic foam cup containing a granular substance that tested positive for drugs, a stark reminder of the agents’ betrayal of trust and abuse of power.
### Conclusion
The arrest of Nicholas Kindle and David Cole not only tarnishes the reputation of Homeland Security but also raises questions about the integrity of law enforcement officials entrusted with upholding the law. As the legal proceedings unfold, the community is left to ponder the far-reaching implications of this scandal and the impact it has on public trust in the justice system.
