A federal grand jury in Montgomery indicted six individuals on Monday for their roles in a conspiracy to distribute cocaine, according to U.S. Attorney Jonathan Ross.
According to the indictment, Jim Carter, Jr., from Montgomery; Francisco Lopez, from Texas; Maria Beatriz Palomo-De Lopez, a Mexican national; Saundra Curry, from Deatsville; Bryce Johnson, from Union Springs; and Michael Anthony Evans, an Alabama State Trooper from Montgomery, are charged with conspiring to distribute cocaine.
The conspiracy began at an unknown date and continued until June 10, 2024. The indictment further alleges that Carter and Lopez are each responsible for at least five kilograms of cocaine involved in the conspiracy.
In addition, the indictment charges Carter, Francisco Lopez, and Palomo-De Lopez with possessing cocaine with intent to distribute. Lastly, the indictment alleges that Palomo-De Lopez illegally re-entered the United States after being deported in 2013.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Carter and Lopez each face a sentence of 10 years to life in prison. The other defendants are facing a sentence of up to 20 years. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case, with cooperation from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. Assistant United States Attorney Mark Andreu is prosecuting the case.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email caleb.taylor@1819News.com.
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