Alabama State Trooper Among 8 Others Convicted in Cocaine Trafficking Conspiracy
By Dale Hines
Blue RAM Media/Gulf Coast News
May 22, 2025
MONTGOMERY Ala. An Alabama State Trooper and three others have been convicted for their roles in a large-scale drug trafficking operation that transported cocaine from Mexico to Alabama, according to acting U.S. Attorney Kevin Davidson and Drug Enforcement Administration special agent in charge Steven Hofe.
On Monday, a federal jury found the following individuals guilty of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine after a lengthy investigation by the DEA and other law enforcement agencies.
Jim Carter, Jr., 58, of Montgomery; Francisco Lopez, 39, of Texas; Michael Evans, 53, of Montgomery; and Bryce Johnson, 38, of Union Springs have all been found guilty of federal crimes.
The jury also convicted Carter and Lopez an additional charge of possession with intent to distribute cocaine.
The Drug Enforcement Administration began investigating a suspected drug trafficking network involving Carter in 2023. The investigation uncovered that Carter traveled to Texas and crossed the border into Mexico on multiple occasions to further the conspiracy. Couriers regularly transported cocaine from Texas to Alabama, delivering it to Carter. On June 10, 2024, agents seized six kilograms of cocaine during a delivery to Carter by Lopez.
The jury also heard evidence that Michael Evans — who was an Alabama State Trooper at the time had offered to wear his uniform and use his official patrol vehicle to facilitate drug transportation, in an attempt to avoid detection by law enforcement.
“This investigation shows that no one is above the law – not even those sworn to uphold it,” Hofer said. “Drug trafficking puts lives at risk and tears at the fabric of our communities. The DEA, working alongside our local law enforcement partners, is committed to protecting the people of Alabama by keeping dangerous drugs off the streets and ensuring accountability at every level. Our communities deserve safety, justice, and law enforcement they can trust.”
A sentencing hearing will be scheduled in the coming months. Carter and Lopez each face a statutory sentence of 10 years to life in prison. Evans and Johnson face up to 20 years in federal prison. There is no parole in the federal system.
Five other individuals have previously pleaded guilty in connection with this investigation:
Saundra Curry, 63, of Deatsville, Alabama, pleaded guilty on September 19, 2024, to conspiracy to distribute cocaine. She faces up to 20 years in prison.
Othello Howard, 29, of Montgomery, Alabama, pleaded guilty on February 3, 2025, to the same charge and faces up to 20 years in prison.
Jimario Thompson, 37, of Montgomery, Alabama, pleaded guilty on April 30, 2025, to conspiracy to distribute cocaine. He faces a maximum of 20 years.
Raul Ramos Deleon, a Mexican national, pleaded guilty on April 30, 2025, to illegal reentry into the United States after deportation. He faces a maximum of 20 years in prison.
Maria Beatriz Palomo-De Lopez, 41, also a Mexican national, pleaded guilty on April 30, 2025, to illegal reentry into the United States after deportation. She also faces up to 20 years.
“This case is a clear reminder of the serious threat that drug trafficking poses to our communities,” Davidson said. “Cocaine and other illegal narcotics fuel violence, addiction, and instability in neighborhoods across Alabama and the nation. Our office remains committed to working with our federal, state, and local partners to dismantle these networks and hold traffickers accountable, no matter where the drugs originate or how they move.”
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