Jefferson County man found guilty of scheming to murder federal prosecutor

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WDHN) — A federal jury in Birmingham has convicted a Jefferson County man in the plot to kill a federal prosecutor, which he calculated while in custody a year prior.

Michael Roman Black, 32, a resident of Hueytown, Alabama, was found guilty on September 12 on charges of threatening to murder and soliciting the murder of a federal prosecutor and for making false statements to a federal agent when questioned about these plans.

According to court reports and evidence brought against him, Black was incarcerated in Hoover, Alabama, on federal charges brought against him in February 2023. His plan, which he told another inmate, to have one of the federal prosecutors working his case murdered by two associates "on the outside."

U.S. Attorneys say Black shared specific details with this other inmate about who he planned to contact and which of them would shoot the prosecutor while in her car.

After learning about his plan and confirming its legitimacy, law enforcement confronted Black, who lied in an attempt to cover his tracks.

On March 28 of 2023, a federal grand jury in Birmingham indicted Black for the threat of and solicitation to commit murder, as well as for his 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 United States 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 faces a sentence in federal prison of up to 10 years for the threat of murder, 20 years for soliciting it, and up to 5 for making false statements.

A sentencing hearing is scheduled for December 12, 2024.