5 from Montgomery, Union Springs convicted for conspiracy to transport cocaine from Mexico to Alabama

Several residents from Montgomery and Union Springs were among others to be convicted for their roles in a "large-scale" drug trafficking conspiracy to transport cocaine from Mexico to Alabama. 

A statement from U.S. Attorney Kevin Davidson identified Jim Carter, Jr., 58, of Montgomery; Francisco Lopez, 39, of Texas; Michael Evans, 53, of Montgomery; and Bryce Johnson, 38, of Union Springs as those who were found guilty of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine. 

“This case is a clear reminder of the serious threat that drug trafficking poses to our communities,” said Davidson. “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.”

An investigation into the defendants began in 2023 by the Drug Enforcement Agency or DEA when Carter was suspected of being involved in the trafficking network. 

"The investigation uncovered that Carter traveled to Texas and crossed the border into Mexico on multiple occasions to further the conspiracy," said the announcement. "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."

Evans was reportedly an Alabama State Trooper at the time and had offered to wear his uniform and use his patrol car to transport the narcotics in order to avoid suspicion. 

More from this section

How did an Indian zoo get the world's most endangered great ape?

US deal on Bagram base 'not possible' says Afghan Taliban official

WATCH: Education department launches America 250 effort

Five others involved in the conspiracy were previously convicted: 

• Saundra Curry, 63, of Deatsville, faces up to 20 years in prison.
• Othello Howard, 29, of Montgomery, faces up to 20 years.
• Jimario Thompson, 37, of Montgomery, faces a maximum of 20 years.
• Raul Ramos Deleon, a Mexican national, faces a maximum of 20 years in prison.
• Maria Beatriz Palomo-De Lopez, 41, also a Mexican national, also faces up to 20 years.

Carter and Lopez face a sentence of 10 years to life in prison while Evans and Johnson face up to 20 years.

“This investigation shows that no one is above the law – not even those sworn to uphold it,” said DEA New Orleans Division Special Agent in Charge Steven Hofer. “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.”