Nine men have received sentences linked to a large-scale drug trafficking operation that moved cocaine from Mexico to Alabama. This group includes a former state police officer.

On May 19, 2025, a federal judge determined that the following individuals were guilty of their involvement in the cocaine distribution conspiracy:

• Jim Carter Jr., 58, from Montgomery, Alabama: Found guilty of conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute cocaine. On August 22, 2025, he was sentenced to 327 months in federal prison.
• Francisco Lopez, 39, from Texas: Convicted of conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute cocaine. He received a 136-month prison sentence on August 18, 2025.
• Michael Evans, 53, from Montgomery, Alabama: This former Alabama trooper was convicted of conspiracy and sentenced to 72 months in prison on August 18, 2025.
• Bryce Johnson, 38, from Union Springs, Alabama: Found guilty of conspiracy, he was sentenced to 210 months in prison on August 18, 2025.

As detailed in court records, the DEA started looking into alleged drug trafficking networks involving Carter back in 2023. Investigators found that Carter traveled to Texas and Mexico to further the operation, with couriers regularly delivering cocaine to Alabama. In June 2024, agents seized six kilograms of cocaine during a courier run linked to Carter.

Besides the convictions from the May 2025 trial, five additional defendants entered guilty pleas and received sentences in relation to the investigation.

• Sandra Curry, 63, from Deatsville, Alabama: Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute cocaine, resulting in a 57-month prison sentence on August 18, 2025.
• Othello Howard, 29, from Montgomery, Alabama: Also pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute cocaine, receiving a 46-month sentence on June 16, 2025.
• Zimario Thompson, 37, from Montgomery, Alabama: Pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 66 months in prison on August 18, 2025.
• Raul Ramos Deleon, a Mexican citizen: Pleaded guilty to illegal re-entry after deportation, sentenced to 27 months on August 18, 2025.
• Maria Beatrice Palomo do Lopez, also a Mexican citizen: She pleaded guilty to illegal re-entry and was sentenced to 21 months in prison on August 18, 2025.

“This group moved a significant amount of cocaine into the Alabama community,” said attorney Kevin Davidson, representing the U.S. “These convictions show the seriousness of their crimes and highlight our office’s and the DEA’s commitment to combating drug trafficking.”

“We have dismantled a crime pipeline that crosses borders and harms communities,” stated a special agent from Hofer’s office. “These sentences underline the responsibility of those involved in drug trafficking networks for their actions.”

The DEA worked closely with Alabama law enforcement on this case. Other agencies involved included the Elmore County Sheriff’s Office, Millbrook Police Department, Montgomery Police Department, and the Prattville Police Department. Attorneys Mark E. Andreu and Michelle R. Turner handled the prosecution.

This investigation was conducted under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), which employs a coordinated approach to tackle the most dangerous criminal organizations impacting the United States.