Four people have been found guilty in connection with a large-scale cocaine trafficking operation that shipped drugs from Mexico to Alabama, as reported by a special agent from the U.S. Attorney’s office and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
On May 19, federal judges determined that Jim Carter Jr., 58, from Montgomery, Francisco Lopez, 39, from Texas, Michael Evans, 53, also from Montgomery, and Blythe Johnson, 38, from Union Springs, were guilty of conspiracy to possess cocaine with the intent to distribute. Additionally, Carter and Lopez faced a separate charge related to intent to distribute cocaine.
According to evidence and court records presented during the trial, the DEA began its investigation in 2023, suspecting Carter’s involvement in a drug trafficking network. Investigators discovered that Carter traveled to Texas to facilitate a cross-border conspiracy with connections to Mexico. It was revealed that a courier frequently transported cocaine from Texas to Alabama, where Carter received the shipments. Notably, on June 10, 2024, agents seized six kilograms of cocaine being delivered from Lopez to Carter.
The trial also highlighted that then-Alabama trooper Michael Evans had offered to wear his uniform and utilize official patrol vehicles to help transport the drugs, essentially trying to avoid detection by law enforcement.
Carter and Lopez are facing sentences of up to 10 years in federal prison, while Evans and Johnson could face up to 20 years. Sentencing hearings are planned for the coming months, and federal sentences do not allow for parole.
In connection with this investigation, five other individuals have already pleaded guilty.
Sandra Curry, 63, from Deatsville, Alabama, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute cocaine on September 19, 2024.
Othello Howard, 29, from Montgomery, Alabama, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute cocaine on February 3, 2025.
Zimario Thompson, 37, from Montgomery, Alabama, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute cocaine on April 30, 2025.
Raul Ramos Deleon, a Mexican citizen, pleaded guilty to illegal re-entry after deportation on April 30, 2025.
Maria Beatrice Palomo de Lopez, 41, also a Mexican citizen, pleaded guilty to illegal re-entry after deportation on April 30, 2025.
These individuals could also face sentences of up to 20 years in federal prison.
U.S. Attorney Davidson stated, “This case highlights the serious danger drug trafficking presents to our community. Cocaine and other illegal substances lead to violence and addiction, creating instability in Alabama and across the nation. We are collaborating with local, state, and federal partners to dismantle these networks and prevent human traffickers from profiting off drugs.”
Special agent Hofer added, “This investigation reaffirms that no one is above the law. Drug trafficking endangers lives and strains the fabric of our communities. The DEA is committed to working with local law enforcement to keep dangerous drugs off our streets and hold individuals accountable.”
The DEA led the investigation with support from various Alabama law enforcement agencies, including the Elmore County Sheriff’s Office, the Millbrook Police Department, the Montgomery Police Department, and the Prattville Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by attorneys Mark E. Andreu and Michelle R. Turner.
This case is part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) initiative, which focuses on disrupting major drug trafficking organizations through a collaborative, intelligence-driven approach.
