This case involves two Department of Homeland Security DHS special agents, Nicholas Kindle and David Cole, who have been charged with using a confidential informant to sell illicit drugs seized as evidence.
The agents are accused of stealing illegal substances, including bath salts, from evidence in order to resell them, along with other stolen items such as cash and valuables.
The scheme, which operated from 2021 to 2024, allegedly generated between $195,000 and $300,000.
Federal prosecutors have charged both agents with felony drug distribution conspiracy, and Kindle faces an additional charge for converting government property for profit. They are also alleged to have forced a released convict, acting as a confidential informant, to become involved in the distribution of the drugs.
The FBI launched an investigation into the agents in October 2024 after the informant’s lawyer reported suspicious behavior.
The agents’ actions, which involved encrypted messaging and setting up meetings at various public locations, were closely tracked, with the FBI recording multiple illegal transactions. If convicted, Kindle faces up to 25 years in prison, while Cole faces a maximum of 20 years.
Despite their criminal charges, both agents still have their DHS credentials suspended, though they have not been fired.