Russian Court Sentences American Sergeant to 3 Years and 9 Months in Prison

A Primorsky Regional Court in Vladivostok has found American citizen Gordon Black guilty of theft and making threats of murder, according to Коммерсант. He received a sentence of 3 years and 9 months in prison, and the judge has also granted the victim's request for compensation amounting to 10,000 rubles.

The 34-year-old American soldier faced charges of theft (under part 2, subsection “g” of Article 158 of the Russian Criminal Code) and making threats of murder (under part 1 of Article 119 of the Russian Criminal Code). The victim in the case is his girlfriend, Russian citizen Aleksandra Vashchuk.

According to the woman, Gordon Black stole 10,000 rubles from her wallet and threatened her. The serviceman partially admitted his guilt regarding the theft, stating that he returned the money the following day. However, the Russian woman denies that the money was returned to her.

News of the American soldier's detention in Vladivostok emerged on May 6. According to NBC News, Staff Sergeant Gordon Black, who was supposed to return to the United States after completing his work, traveled to Vladivostok to visit a woman with whom he has a romantic relationship.

Commenting on the sergeant's detention, the Pentagon stated that any unauthorized travel by military personnel to Russia is strictly prohibited. According to the department, Black was not authorized to visit Vladivostok, and an internal investigation has been initiated.