A second Department of Homeland Security agent, Nicholas Kindle, has been charged in federal court for allegedly conspiring to sell seized illicit drugs with another agent, David Cole. Kindle's charges include drug distribution conspiracy and converting government property for personal gain. Prosecutors claim that from 2021, the two misused their authority to extract drugs known as "bath salts" and other valuables under false pretenses, selling them through a confidential informant and pocketing substantial profits. Kindle is scheduled for his initial court appearance in Salt Lake City on January 21 and faces a maximum sentence of 25 years if convicted.
Kindle and Cole allegedly tampered with evidence, lying to peers to obtain drugs from US Customs and Border Protection officers, among others, claiming they needed them for legitimate investigations. FBI investigations, prompted by a lawyer's report, allegedly uncovered eight illegal drug transactions between 2022 and 2024, where the agents purportedly funneled drugs through an informant. This scheme allegedly amassed between $195,000 and $300,000. The agents also allegedly committed theft, including cash and a Peruvian antiquity, and were linked to providing meeting places for these trades.
Investigations began in October 2024 when the informant's lawyer flagged suspicious activities. Despite the suspensions of their credentials, both Kindle and Cole remain employed. Cole pleaded not guilty to his charges and is set for trial in February, facing up to 20 years in prison if found guilty. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)
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