Two Department of Homeland Security agents in Utah have been arrested and charged in federal court for their involvement in a drug distribution conspiracy. Special agents Nicholas Kindle and David Cole are facing serious charges related to the illegal sale of drugs seized as evidence.
Kindle, who was investigating illegal narcotics trafficking, was arrested following the apprehension of his alleged co-conspirator, Cole. Both agents are charged with felony drug distribution conspiracy, with Kindle also facing an additional charge of conspiracy to convert government property for profit.
If convicted, Kindle could potentially face up to 25 years in prison, while Cole faces a maximum sentence of 20 years. Despite their arrests, the agents have not been terminated from their positions, although their Homeland Security credentials have been suspended.
Prosecutors allege that Kindle and Cole abused their positions to obtain illegal drugs, including 'bath salts,' from Homeland Security evidence and other law enforcement sources. The agents reportedly misled their colleagues by falsely claiming the drugs were needed for legitimate investigations.
Between 2022 and 2024, Kindle and Cole are accused of selling the illicit drugs to an individual identified as a confidential informant for the department. The FBI estimates that the scheme generated between $195,000 and $300,000 in profits.
The agents allegedly coerced the informant, who had previously been incarcerated, to act as a middleman in the drug transactions. Using encrypted messaging apps, Kindle and Cole arranged meetings at various locations, including a Panera Bread restaurant and a Nike store.
The FBI initiated an investigation after the informant's lawyer raised concerns about potential unlawful activities involving the agents. Subsequent surveillance and recordings revealed multiple instances of illegal drug sales to the informant.
One such incident involved the informant providing the FBI with a cup containing a substance that tested positive for drugs. The informant claimed that Kindle and Cole had left the cup for him in a parking lot trash can.
Synthetic bath salts, also known as Alpha-PVP or cathinone, are substances believed to mimic the effects of methamphetamine, cocaine, or ecstasy, and are not related to actual bath products.
