US Soldier Gets Nearly 4-Year Sentence in Russian Theft Case
TL/DR –
A US soldier, Staff Sgt. Gordon Black, has been sentenced to approximately four years in prison in Russia on charges of theft and threats of murder. Black was arrested in Vladivostok after his girlfriend accused him of stealing from her, leading to a sentence that also includes a fine of 10,000 rubles ($115). The US State Department advises Americans against traveling to Russia, and the US Army says that Black did not seek approval for international travel, as required by Pentagon policy.
US Soldier Sentenced in Russia over Theft and Threat Charges
A Vladivostok court sentenced American soldier, Staff Sgt. Gordon Black, to three years and nine months in a Russian prison amid allegations of theft and threats of murder. Black had traveled to the Pacific port city to visit his girlfriend, and was subsequently arrested following her accusations of theft.
Russian news agencies Tass and RIA Novosti reported from Pervomaisky District Court that the judge also ordered Black to pay 10,000 rubles ($115) in damages. Black’s sentence escalates already tense US-Russia relations amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Russia currently holds several Americans in its jails, including Paul Whelan, Evan Gershkovich, and others on varying charges. The U.S. Government categorizes their detention as wrongful and is negotiating for their release.
The U.S. State Department strongly advises against travel to Russia, and all service members must receive clearance for international travel. The U.S. Army stated that Black had not sought this necessary clearance for his trip to Russia.
Black had been stationed at Camp Humphreys in South Korea with the Eighth Army and was returning to his home base at Fort Cavazos, Texas. Cynthia Smith, an Army spokesperson, stated that Black travelled to Vladivostok for personal reasons. His girlfriend, Alexandra Vashchuk, reported that the arrest resulted from a domestic dispute during which Black became aggressive and stole money from her. U.S. officials confirmed that Black met his girlfriend in South Korea.
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