A man from Jefferson County has been sentenced to over 17 years in prison for drug trafficking and possessing firearms illegally. U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona announced that Michael Roman Black, 32, of Bessemer, Alabama, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge R. David Proctor to 212 months in prison. Black, who pleaded guilty in January, faced charges of distributing over 50 grams of methamphetamine, intending to distribute over 50 grams of methamphetamine, and being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm.
The plea agreement revealed that Black's criminal activities occurred on three different occasions between July 2021 and September 2022. On July 22, 2021, a Bessemer police officer stopped Black's vehicle, discovering syringes, vacuum-sealed bags with 892.6 grams of methamphetamine, and ammunition. Black was also found to have $8,254 in cash and hydrocodone pills. Later, on December 22, 2021, Black sold 435 grams of methamphetamine to an undercover officer.
The third incident on September 7, 2022, involved FBI agents attempting to arrest Black at a residence in Bessemer, Alabama. They found drugs, firearms, and ammunition in the property. A search warrant allowed agents to seize cocaine, marijuana, several rifles and pistols, ammunition, and $8,438 in cash. As a convicted felon, Black was banned from possessing firearms or ammunition.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bessemer Police Department, and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristy M. Peoples.