“Utah’s Trusted Shield Cracks: Second DHS Agent in Hot Water for Dealing Drugs”
Another Homeland Security Agent Arrested for Allegedly Selling Seized Drugs
A second Department of Homeland Security agent in Utah has been arrested and charged with using a confidential informant to sell illegal drugs that were seized as evidence. Nicholas Kindle, a special agent investigating illegal drug trafficking, was arrested three weeks after his alleged co-conspirator, agent David Cole.
According to the allegations, Kindle and Cole infiltrated illegal drug trafficking and firearms networks, but instead of investigating and bringing the criminals to justice, they used their positions to abuse their authority and engage in illegal activities. They allegedly sold drugs obtained from evidence to a confidential informant, who would then resell them.
The scheme was uncovered by the FBI in October 2024, after a whistleblower’s attorney contacted the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Utah, alleging that Kindle and Cole had asked the informant to participate in potentially illegal conduct.
Kindle and Cole’s homeland security credentials were suspended, but they were not fired. Cole has pleaded not guilty to conspiracy to distribute drugs and is scheduled to go on trial on February 24.
If convicted, Kindle could face up to 25 years in prison. The charges against him include felony drug distribution conspiracy and conspiring to convert U.S. government property into profit.
The FBI launched an investigation into Kindle and Cole’s activities after the whistleblower’s attorney contacted the U.S. attorney in Utah. The investigation revealed that the two agents had engaged in a scheme to sell drugs obtained from evidence to a confidential informant, who would then resell them.
The scheme is believed to have generated between $195,000 and $300,000 in profits. The agents used encrypted messaging apps to coordinate their activities and provide the informant with meeting locations, including a Panera Bread restaurant and a Nike store.
The FBI documented eight incidents of illegal drug sales to informants. In one case, the informant gave the FBI a plastic foam cup that contained a granular substance that tested positive for drugs. The informant told the FBI that the agents had left the cup in a trash can in the parking lot.
Synthetic bath salts, also known as Alpha-PVP or cathinones, are a dangerous and addictive drug that is similar to methamphetamine, cocaine, or ecstasy. They have no connection to actual bath products.
Kindle and Cole’s actions are a betrayal of the public’s trust and a violation of their oath to uphold the law. Their alleged crimes, if proven, are serious and will likely have a significant impact on the communities they served.
FAQs:
* How many Homeland Security agents have been charged with selling illegal drugs?
Answer: Two agents, Nicholas Kindle and David Cole, have been charged with selling illegal drugs.
* What were the agents accused of doing with the drugs?
Answer: The agents allegedly used confidential informants to sell drugs obtained from evidence, which they then resold to other individuals.
* How much money did the agents allegedly generate from the scheme?
Answer: The scheme is believed to have generated between $195,000 and $300,000 in profits.
* What is the maximum sentence that Kindle faces if convicted?
Answer: Kindle could face up to 25 years in prison if convicted of all charges.
* When is Cole’s trial scheduled to begin?
Answer: Cole’s trial is scheduled to begin on February 24.
Conclusion:
The arrest of two Homeland Security agents in Utah on drug-related charges is a shocking reminder of the corrupting influence of power and the importance of transparency and accountability. The allegations against Kindle and Cole are disturbing and demonstrate a clear abuse of authority. The FBI’s investigation and the charges filed against the agents are a positive step towards holding them accountable for their actions.
