Homeland Security Agents Suspended Amid Drug Trafficking Allegations
An ongoing FBI probe has led to the suspension of two Homeland Security agents accused of exploiting their positions to distribute illegal substances. This development marks a significant turn in an investigation that has been active since last fall.
Special Agents Nicholas Kindle and David Cole are facing serious allegations involving a conspiracy to distribute drugs. They allegedly engaged a federal informant to sell bath salts, a type of synthetic drug.
Assigned to narcotics cases in Utah, Kindle and Cole reportedly misused seized evidence from Customs and Border Protection and other agencies. According to federal prosecutors, they masked their activities as official investigations, but instead, sold the drugs through an informant over a two-year period. The FBI estimates the illicit operation could have generated up to $300,000 in revenue. Moreover, they are accused of pilfering cash, a diamond ring, and other valuables.
Cole has denied the charges and is set for trial next month, where he could face a 20-year prison sentence if convicted. Kindle, arrested after Cole, is confronted with an additional charge of conspiracy to convert government property for personal gain. His first court appearance is scheduled for later this month, and he could be sentenced to a maximum of 25 years in prison.
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