MONTGOMERY, Ala. — A federal jury in Birmingham has convicted Michael Roman Black, 32, of Hueytown, Alabama, on charges of threatening to murder and soliciting the murder of a federal prosecutor, along with making false statements to a federal agent, according to an announcement by Acting U.S. Attorney Kevin P. Davidson for the Middle District of Alabama.
The conviction stems from a plot uncovered in February 2023 while Black was incarcerated in Hoover, Alabama, on separate federal charges brought by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Alabama. According to court records and trial evidence, Black told a fellow inmate about his plan to have two associates kill a federal prosecutor working on his case. Black provided specific details about the plan, stating that the prosecutor would be shot while in her car.
Law enforcement officials learned of the plot and, after confirming its seriousness, intervened to prevent the crime. When questioned by federal agents, Black made false statements in an attempt to cover up the scheme.
On March 28, 2023, a federal grand jury in Birmingham indicted Black on charges of making a threat to murder a federal official, solicitation to commit murder, and making false statements to a federal agent.
“A threat against a prosecutor or law enforcement professional is a serious offense and a direct attack against our system of justice,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Davidson. “I am grateful for the diligent work of law enforcement in identifying and thwarting this plot to take the life of a public servant simply seeking justice for the people of the United States.”
Black now faces a potential sentence of up to 10 years in federal prison for threatening to murder a federal official, up to 20 years for soliciting murder, and up to 5 years for making false statements to a federal agent. His sentencing is scheduled for December 12, 2024, where a federal district court judge will determine his sentence based on U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
