Police accuse 2 Homeland Security agents of using informant to sell illicit drugs

Two Homeland Security agents have had their credentials suspended after being accused of selling illegal drugs previously seized as evidence. It’s the latest in an FBI investigation that began last fall.

Special Agents Nicholas Kindle and David Cole face a felony drug distribution conspiracy charge for allegedly using a federal informant to sell a synthetic drug known as bath salts.

The two worked on narcotics trafficking investigations in Utah with Homeland Security. Federal prosecutors say the pair took bath salts seized as evidence by their agency, Customs and Border Protection and other law enforcement under the guise of using them for legitimate investigations. They allege the pair spent two years selling the drugs to the informant and letting him resell them without making any arrests — a scheme the FBI estimates was worth as much as $300,000. They are also accused of stealing thousands in cash, a diamond ring and other items.

Cole pled not guilty to his charge and his trial begins next month. He faces 20 years in prison. Kindle — who was arrested later — is due in court for the first time later this month. He faces a second charge of conspiracy to convert property of the U.S. government for profit and a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison.