{"id":58075,"date":"2024-12-18T16:25:02","date_gmt":"2024-12-19T00:25:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cjnotebook.com\/?p=58075"},"modified":"2024-12-18T16:25:02","modified_gmt":"2024-12-19T00:25:02","slug":"homeland-security-investigations-special-agent-indicted-for-drug-distribution-conspiracy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cjnotebook.com\/?p=58075","title":{"rendered":"Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent Indicted for Drug Distribution Conspiracy"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\"\"A grand jury in Salt Lake City returned an indictment Wednesday charging Special Agent David Cole of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), 50, of South Jordan, Utah, with conspiring with another HSI special agent to sell alpha-PHP, a drug commonly referred to as \u201cbath salts,\u201d in Utah, officials stated.<\/span><\/p>\n

According to court documents, Cole, alongside another HSI special agent, exploited their positions as federal law enforcement officers to procure bath salts under false pretenses. <\/span><\/p>\n

They misled colleagues within HSI and other law enforcement agencies, claiming the substances were needed for legitimate HSI investigations, according to officials.<\/span><\/p>\n

Instead, Cole and his accomplice betrayed the public trust by selling these bath salts to HSI confidential human sources, raking in thousands of dollars. These sources, in turn, peddled the drugs on Utah’s streets, reaping further profits. <\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"\"LaThrough this illicit scheme, Cole and his co-conspirator amassed hundreds of thousands of dollars, brazenly using their badges as cover for a thriving black-market drug operation.<\/span><\/p>\n

Cole is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe indictment alleges that David Cole abused his position as a federal law enforcement agent to obtain and sell dangerous drugs for profit,\u201d said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department\u2019s Criminal Division. \u201cA drug dealer who carries a badge is still a drug dealer \u2014 and one who has violated an oath to uphold the law and protect the public.\u00a0Today\u2019s indictment reflects the department\u2019s commitment to holding accountable law enforcement officers who engage in criminal conduct, because no one is above the law.\u201d<\/span>\"\"<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Inside
Photo by Kelly Sikkema<\/a> on Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u201cDavid Cole took an oath to protect and serve. Instead, he allegedly distributed dangerous drugs in our communities for profit,\u201d said Special Agent in Charge Shohini Sinha of the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office. \u201cCole\u2019s alleged actions not only helped fuel an already devastating drug crisis but also undermines the public\u2019s trust in law enforcement. The FBI remains committed to holding accountable those who violate the law, regardless of their position.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cToday\u2019s arrest sends a clear message that federal employees who violate the trust of the public and break the law will be prosecuted,\u201d said Inspector General Joseph V. Cuffari of the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General (DHS-OIG). \u201cDHS OIG is grateful for our continued partnership with our law enforcement partners as we continue fighting corruption.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Cole is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance. <\/span><\/p>\n

If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The FBI and DHS-OIG are investigating the case.<\/span><\/p>\n

Trial Attorneys Jordan Dickson, Alexander Gottfried, and Blake Ellison of the Criminal Division\u2019s Public Integrity Section are prosecuting the case.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

A grand jury in Salt Lake City returned an indictment Wednesday charging Special Agent David Cole of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), 50, of South Jordan, Utah, with conspiring with another HSI special…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2811,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-58075","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"yoast_head":"\nHomeland Security Investigations Special Agent Indicted for Drug Distribution Conspiracy<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"A grand jury in Salt Lake City returned an indictment Wednesday charging Special Agent David Cole of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), 50, of South\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link 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