Law and Disorder: Alabama State Trooper Among Six Charged in Connection with Cocaine Distribution Plot

An Alabama state trooper has been indicted alongside five others on federal charges in connection to a conspiracy to distribute cocaine, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Alabama announced.

Alabama State Trooper Michael Anthony Evans, 52, is charged with allegedly conspiring to distribute cocaine, along with 57-year-old Jim Carter Jr., from Montgomery, Alabama; 38-year-old Francisco Lopez, from Texas; 40-year-old Maria Beatriz Palomo-De Lopez, a Mexican national; 63-year-old Saundra S. Curry, from Deatsville, Alabama; and 37-year-old Bryce Johnson, from Union Springs, Alabama.

The indictment further charges Jim Carter Jr., Francisco Lopez, and Maria Beatriz Palomo-De Lopez with possessing cocaine with intent to distribute.

It also alleges Jim Carter Jr. and Francisco Lopez were each responsible for at least five kilograms of cocaine.

Maria Beatriz Palomo-De Lopez is additionally charged with illegally re-entering the United States after being deported in 2013.

According to prosecutors, the conspiracy began on an unknown date and continued through at least June 10, 2024.

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Based on the quantities of cocaine alleged to be in their possession, Jim Carter, Jr. and Francisco Lopez each face 10 years to life in prison if convicted.

The remaining defendants face sentences of up to 20 years in prison.

TMX contributed to this report.