State trooper, five others indicted in alleged drug conspiracy
Six people, including an Alabama State Trooper, have been indicted on federal cocaine distribution charges.
United States Attorney Jonathan S. Ross announced that a federal grand jury in Montgomery indicted these people for their roles in an alleged conspiracy to distribute cocaine:
Jim Carter Jr., 57, from Montgomery.
Francisco Lopez, 38, from Texas. Maria Beatriz Palomo-De Lopez, 40, a Mexican national.
Saundra S. Curry, 63, from Deatsville.
Bryce Johnson, 37, from Union Springs.
Michael Anthony Evans, 52 an Alabama
State Trooper from Montgomery.
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency confirmed Evans is a state trooper, holding the rank of senior trooper. He was placed on “mandatory leave” after he was arrested on Thursday, said Sgt. Jeremy Burkett, a spokesman for the agency. The release did not say if the leave was paid or unpaid, and did not say how long Evans has been a trooper.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty, Ross said.
The indictment alleges that the conspiracy began at an unknown date and continued through at least June 10, 2024. The indictment further alleges that Jim Carter Jr. and Francisco Lopez are each responsible for at least five kilograms of cocaine involved in the conspiracy.
Also, the indictment charges Jim Carter Jr., Francisco Lopez and Maria Beatriz Palomo-De Lopez with possessing cocaine with intent to distribute. Lastly, the indictment alleges that Maria Beatriz Palomo-De Lopez illegally reentered the United States after being deported in 2013.
The indictment and news release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office did not mention Evans alleged role in the conspiracy.
Due to the amount of cocaine alleged against Jim Carter Jr. and Francisco Lopez in the indictment, they each face a sentence of 10 years to life in prison. The other defendants are facing a sentence of up to 20 years. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.
The indictment alleges that the conspiracy began at an unknown date and continued through at least June 10, 2024. The indictment further alleges that Jim Carter Jr. and Francisco Lopez are each responsible for at least five kilograms of cocaine involved in the conspiracy.