ALABAMA (WDNews) – In a significant development, the U.S. Department of Justice has named six individuals indicted in a widespread cocaine distribution investigation, including an Alabama state trooper.
A federal grand jury in Montgomery handed down indictments against:
Jim Carter Jr., 57, of Montgomery
Francisco Lopez, 38, of Texas
Maria Beatriz Palomo-De Lopez, 40, a Mexican national
Saundra S. Curry, 63, of Deatsville
Bryce Johnson, 37, of Union Springs
Michael Anthony Evans, 52, an Alabama state trooper from Montgomery
All six defendants are charged with conspiring to distribute cocaine. Carter, Lopez, and Palomo-De Lopez face additional charges of possessing cocaine with the intent to distribute. Notably, Palomo-De Lopez is also accused of illegally re-entering the United States after being deported in 2013.
According to U.S. Attorney Jonathan S. Ross, the conspiracy started at an undetermined date and continued through at least June 10, 2024. The indictment claims that Carter and Lopez are each accountable for distributing at least five kilograms of cocaine.
Michael Anthony Evans’ specific role in the conspiracy was not detailed in the indictment. Following his arrest, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency placed Evans, a senior trooper, on mandatory leave.
Due to the quantity of cocaine involved, Carter and Lopez could face sentences ranging from 10 years to life in prison. The other defendants face potential sentences of up to 20 years.
