Nine sentenced in cocaine trafficking conspiracy running from Mexico to Alabama

Nine people, including some from Montgomery, Deatsville and Union Springs, have been sentenced on federal charges involving a cocaine trafficking conspiracy.

Acting U.S. Attorney Kevin Davidson and Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent in Charge Steven Hofer, New Orleans Division, say the large-scale drug trafficking operation brought cocaine from Mexico into Alabama.

In May, a federal jury found the following people guilty for their roles in the operation:

Jim Carter, Jr., 58, of Montgomery: Convicted on conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute cocaine. He has now been  sentenced to 327 months in federal prison.

Francisco Lopez, 39, of Texas: Convicted on conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute cocaine. Sentenced to 136 months in prison.

Michael Evans, 53, of Montgomery: A former Alabama State Trooper convicted of conspiracy. Sentenced to 72 months in prison.

Bryce Johnson, 38, of Union Springs: Convicted of conspiracy. Sentenced to 210 months in prison.

According to court records and evidence presented at trial, the DEA began investigating a suspected drug trafficking network involving Carter in 2023. Investigators determined that Carter traveled to Texas and Mexico to further the conspiracy, while couriers regularly brought cocaine into Alabama. On June 10, 2024, agents seized six kilograms of cocaine during a delivery to Carter by Lopez.

In addition to the convictions listed above, five other defendants pleaded guilty in connection with the investigation and have since been sentenced:

Saundra Curry, 63, of Deatsville: Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute cocaine. Sentenced to 57 months in prison.

Othello Howard, 29, of Montgomery: Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute cocaine. Sentenced to 46 months in prison.

Jimario Thompson, 37, of Montgomery: Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute cocaine. Sentenced to 66 months in prison.

Raul Ramos Deleon, a Mexican national: Pleaded guilty to illegal reentry after deportation. Sentenced to 27 months in prison.

Maria Beatriz Palomo-De Lopez, 41, a Mexican national: Pleaded guilty to illegal reentry after deportation. Sentenced to 21 months in prison.

“This group moved a significant amount of cocaine into Alabama communities,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Davidson. “These sentences reflect the seriousness of their crimes and the commitment of our office and DEA to dismantling drug trafficking organizations at every level.”

“We have successfully dismantled a criminal pipeline that exploited our borders and poisoned our communities,” said Special Agent in Charge Hofer. “The significant sentences handed down, along with the convictions for illegal reentry, send a powerful message: those who work for these drug trafficking networks will be held accountable for every crime they commit, with no parole.”

The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated this case with cooperation from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. Other investigating agencies include the Elmore County Sheriff’s Office, Millbrook Police Department, Montgomery Police Department, and Prattville Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Mark E. Andreu and Michelle R. Turner prosecuted the case.

— Information from the Office of the U.S. Attorney, Middle District of Alabama