Hueytown man found guilty of plotting to murder a federal prosecutor

Michael Roman Black/Source: Shelby County Jail

A Hueytown man has been found guilty of plotting to murder a federal prosecutor in 2023.

Acting U.S. Attorney Kevin P. Davidson for the Middle District of Alabama said a federal jury convicted 32-year-old Michael Roman Black Thursday on charges of threatening to murder and soliciting the murder of a federal prosecutor, and for making false statements to a federal agent.

According to court records and evidence presented during his trial, in February 2023, Black was incarcerated in Hoover after federal charges were brought against him by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Alabama.

While in custody, Black told another inmate about his plan to have one of the federal prosecutors working on his case murdered by two associates “on the outside.” Black shared specific details of who he planned to contact and that he would have them shoot the prosecutor while in her car.

Law enforcement learned of this threat, and after confirming its legitimacy and seriousness, developed an operation to successfully thwart the murder plot. When questioned by federal agents, Black made false statements in an attempt to cover up his plan.

On March 28, 2023, a federal grand jury in Birmingham indicted Black for making a threat to murder a federal official, solicitation to commit murder, and making false statements to a federal agent.

Following his conviction, Black faces a sentence in federal prison of up to 10 years for threatening to murder a federal official, up to 20 years for soliciting a murder, and up to 5 years for making a false statement to a federal agent.

A sentencing hearing for Black is scheduled for December 12, 2024.