Title: Second DHS Agent Charged with Using Confidential Informant to Sell Illegal Drugs
A second Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agent has been charged in federal court with using a confidential informant to sell illegal drugs that were seized as evidence. Nicholas Kindle, a Utah special agent, was arrested three weeks after his alleged co-conspirator, David Cole, both of whom face felony charges of conspiracy to distribute drugs.
According to court records, Kindle and Cole abused their authority by obtaining illegal drugs known as “bath salts” from Department of Homeland Security evidence and other law enforcement agents, including U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers. They allegedly claimed that these drugs would be used to conduct legitimate investigations, but instead, they began stealing drugs from evidence in 2021 and lying about their purpose to other agents.
From 2022 to 2024, agents allegedly sold drugs to people solely as a “source of information” for the department’s prosecutors. They told the man to resell the drugs but did not arrest the customer, which is a serious violation of law enforcement protocol.
The scheme allegedly brought in between $195,000 and $300,000. Kindle and Cole used encrypted messaging apps to provide informants with meeting locations, and they allegedly coerced a recruited confidential informant to become the new middleman by making controlled purchases from suspected dealers after he was released from prison.
The FBI began investigating in October 2024 after a whistleblower’s attorney contacted the U.S. attorney in Utah to report that Kindle and Cole asked him to engage in potentially illegal conduct. Investigators documented eight illegal drug sales to the informant, including one instance where an informant handed the FBI a plastic foam cup that contained a particulate substance that tested positive for drugs.
Ingesting synthetic bath salts, also known as Alpha-PVP or cathinones, may cause bizarre behaviors such as paranoia and extreme strength. The drug is said to be similar to methamphetamine, cocaine, or ecstasy and has nothing to do with the actual bath product.
Jindal and Cole’s DHS credentials were suspended but were not fired, according to court documents. Cole has pleaded not guilty to drug conspiracy charges and is scheduled to stand trial the week of February 24.
FAQ:
Q: Who are Nicholas Kindle and David Cole?
A: Nicholas Kindle and David Cole are two Department of Homeland Security agents who have been charged with using a confidential informant to sell illegal drugs that were seized as evidence.
Q: What is the scope of the illegal drug scheme?
A: The scheme allegedly brought in between $195,000 and $300,000 and involved selling illegal drugs to people solely as a “source of information” for the department’s prosecutors.
Q: How did the FBI catch onto the scheme?
A: The FBI began investigating after a whistleblower’s attorney contacted the U.S. attorney in Utah to report that Kindle and Cole asked him to engage in potentially illegal conduct.
Q: What are the consequences if convicted?
A: Kindle faces up to 25 years in prison.
Conclusion:
The charges against Kindle and Cole are a serious breach of public trust and a significant violation of law enforcement protocol. The allegations against these agents are shocking and disturbing, and we hope that justice is served. The FBI’s investigation and prosecution of this case demonstrate a commitment to upholding the law and holding those accountable who abuse their authority.
