On May 2, 2025, Michael Roman Black, a Bessemer resident, was sentenced to more than 52 years in federal prison for planning to murder a federal prosecutor. This was announced by Acting United States Attorney Kevin Davidson for the Middle District of Alabama. The sentence allocates 420 months for plotting the murder and 212 months for initial drug and gun charges. Black will also serve three years of supervised release following his prison term, during which no parole is available.
In February 2023, while incarcerated in Hoover, Alabama, on federal charges, Black revealed to a fellow inmate his plan to have a federal prosecutor shot and killed. The plot involved two associates who were to execute the crime while the prosecutor drove home.
Authorities swiftly acted upon learning about the threat to prevent the crime. Despite Black's attempt to mislead federal agents during questioning, a federal jury in Birmingham found him guilty on September 12, 2024, of threatening and soliciting the murder of a federal prosecutor and making false statements.
Acting United States Attorney Davidson commented, "Michael Black’s plot to target a federal prosecutor was not only an attempt to evade accountability for his crimes, but it was also a brazen act of vengeance. Such conduct strikes at the heart of our judicial system and must be met with severe consequences. I commend the investigators and prosecutors whose swift actions protected a life and ensured justice was served."
Steven Hofer, DEA Special Agent in Charge, said, "The attempt to orchestrate violence against a federal prosecutor is a grave assault on public safety and the principles of justice we rely upon. The DEA remains unwavering in its commitment to stand alongside the U.S. Attorney’s Office to safeguard those who dedicate themselves to upholding the rule of law."
FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge Christopher DiMenna added, "After a thorough investigation, Michael Black is being held accountable for plotting to assassinate a federal prosecutor. Today's sentence makes clear that those actions will not be tolerated. The FBI's partnership with Hoover Police Department, Jefferson County's Sheriff's Office, U.S. Marshals Service, ATF, and DEA were critical in bringing Black to justice. We will not stop our pursuit of criminals who threaten those who serve to uphold justice."
The investigation involved multiple agencies, including the Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States Marshals Service, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Hoover Police Department, and Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Criminal Division Chief John J. Geer, III from the Middle District of Alabama.