Utah DHS Agent Faces Federal Charges for Selling Seized Drugs

Utah – Two Department of Homeland Security (DHS) special agents in Utah, assigned to combat drug trafficking, are now facing federal charges for allegedly selling seized drugs to dealers.

Nicholas Kindle was charged on Monday with conspiracy to convert U.S. government property and conspiracy to distribute drugs. His alleged co-conspirator, David Cole, 50, of South Jordan, was charged earlier in December with conspiracy to distribute and possess drugs with intent to distribute. Kindle, initially identified as “Person A” in Cole’s case, has now been named in court documents.

Federal prosecutors allege that Kindle and Cole exploited their roles as DHS agents to obtain illegal narcotics seized during investigations. Instead of securing the drugs as evidence, the agents allegedly sold them to dealers for personal profit.

According to court documents, the agents misused their authority by claiming the narcotics—specifically bath salts—were needed for legitimate investigations. They involved a confidential informant in the scheme, directing the informant to purchase the drugs for $5,000 and then resell them, keeping the proceeds. Prosecutors state the agents never arrested or investigated the buyers and did not equip the informant with tools to gather evidence.

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From April to December 2024, Kindle and Cole allegedly profited $195,000 through these illegal drug sales.

The agents are also accused of stealing evidence from Homeland Security investigations between 2021 and 2024, including cash, a diamond ring, and a Peruvian antiquity.

The scheme unraveled in October when the informant and their attorney reported the illegal activities to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The FBI launched an investigation, using the informant to conduct controlled drug purchases from Kindle and Cole while monitoring their actions.

The Department of Justice condemned the alleged misconduct, stating that Kindle and Cole abused their federal law enforcement status to enrich themselves. The case highlights a severe breach of public trust and is under active investigation by federal authorities.

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keelee-mccain

Keelee McCain is a junior at Weber High School. This is her second year on staff, this year as Assistant to the Chief. She does have a life (probably) but she can't think of anything to write in here, so she's probably just going to ramble now. She has an orange cat who she likes better than any human. If you see her being quiet or not sitting on top of a desk, there is something very wrong. In her free time she enjoys harassing her favorite teachers and sleeping. Her life plans include making it through high school and leaving. Happy lifeing.

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