Two Homeland Security Agents in Utah Charged with Stealing and Selling Seized Drugs

In a surprising twist, another Homeland Security agent in Utah has been charged. This time, it's Nicholas Kindle, who was caught up in a drug scheme just weeks after his colleague, David Cole. Both agents faced charges for selling illicit drugs that they had taken from evidence. Kindle's case is particularly serious as he also faces a charge for profiting from U. S. government property. Kindle's court date is set for January 21 in Salt Lake City. If found guilty, he could spend up to 25 years in prison. Unlike Cole, who was indicted by a grand jury, Kindle's case was initiated by an information document from the U. S. Attorney's Office. Over the years, these agents allegedly stole drugs known as "bath salts" and large sums of cash, a diamond ring, and an antique from evidence. They even recruited a confidential informant to help sell these drugs, making a hefty profit of between $195, 000 and $300, 000. The FBI got wind of this scheme in October 2024 after the informant's lawyer reported the agents. They were caught red-handed in eight drug transactions, including one where the informant handed over a cup with drugs hidden inside to the FBI. Bath salts, which can cause bizarre behavior like paranoia, are similar to other harmful substances like methamphetamine. Despite these serious allegations, neither agent has been fired yet. Cole has pleaded not guilty and will go to trial in February.