A Jefferson County resident, Michael Roman Black, has been sentenced to a prison term for drug trafficking and gun possession offenses, according to U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona.
U.S. District Court Judge R. David Proctor sentenced Black, a 32-year-old from Bessemer, Alabama, to serve 212 months. In January, Black admitted guilt to the charges of distributing more than 50 grams of methamphetamine, whether intending to do so or not, and possessing a firearm as a felon.
As per the plea deal, Black's criminal activities spanned three incidents between July 2021 and September 2022:
On July 22, 2021, Bessemer law enforcement stopped Black's vehicle for a switched tag. When approached by the police officer, Black opened the car door, revealing syringes in the driver's side pocket. The officer subsequently discovered methamphetamine and ammunition inside, along with cash and hydrocodone pills on Black's person.
On December 22, 2021, Black engaged in a transaction, selling 435 grams of methamphetamine to an undercover officer.
On September 7, 2022, an attempted arrest led FBI agents to find drugs and firearms at Black's Bessemer residence. Following a search warrant, significant quantities of drugs and loaded weapons were recovered, despite Black being legally prohibited from possessing them due to his felon status.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bessemer Police Department jointly handled the investigation, with prosecution led by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristy M. Peoples.
