A federal jury in Birmingham convicted Michael Black, of Hueytown, on charges of threatening to murder and soliciting the murder of a federal prosecutor, and for making false statements to a federal agent, announced Acting United States Attorney Kevin Davidson for the Middle District of Alabama on Thursday.
According to court records and evidence presented during Black's trial, Black was incarcerated in Hoover in February 2023 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.
A federal grand jury in Birmingham indicted Black in February 2023 for 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," Davidson said. "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."
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.
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