Federal cocaine distribution charges have led to the indictment of six individuals, among them an Alabama State Trooper.
Jonathan S. Ross, United States Attorney, has recently announced that a group of individuals has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Montgomery for their involvement in a purported conspiracy to distribute cocaine.
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- 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.
According to Sgt. Jeremy Burkett, a spokesperson for the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, Senior Trooper Evans, who holds the rank of a state trooper, was arrested on Thursday and has been placed on “mandatory leave.” The agency’s statement did not specify whether the leave is paid or unpaid, nor did it mention how long Evans has been working as a trooper.
According to Ross, an indictment is simply an accusation and every defendant is considered innocent until proven guilty.
According to the indictment, the conspiracy was initiated at an unspecified time and persisted until June 10, 2024, at the very least. Furthermore, the indictment claims that Jim Carter Jr. and Francisco Lopez are accountable for a minimum of five kilograms of cocaine associated with the conspiracy.
The individuals named in the indictment, Jim Carter Jr., Francisco Lopez, and Maria Beatriz Palomo-De Lopez, have been charged with the possession of cocaine with the intention of distributing it. Additionally, Maria Beatriz Palomo-De Lopez is accused of illegally re-entering the United States after being deported in 2013.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office indictment and news release failed to mention Evans’ suspected involvement in the conspiracy.
According to the indictment, Jim Carter Jr. and Francisco Lopez could possibly face a prison sentence of 10 years to life due to the substantial amount of cocaine involved. Meanwhile, the other defendants may face a maximum sentence of 20 years. The decision on the sentence will be made by a federal district court judge, who will consider various factors, including sentencing guidelines and statutory requirements.
Ross stated that the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency cooperated in the investigation of the case alongside the Drug Enforcement Administration.
