US Soldier Sentenced to Nearly 4 Years in Russia for Threatening Girlfriend

Vladivostok: A U.S. soldier has been sentenced to three years and nine months in a Russian penal colony following a conviction for theft and making threats to his girlfriend.

The 34-year-old, staff sergeant Gordon Black was found guilty by Judge Yelena Stepankova of the Pervomaisky District Court in Vladivostok. Black was charged with stealing 10,000 roubles (approximately $113) from his girlfriend, Alexandra Vashchuk, and threatening her life.

Black, who was detained on May 2 in Vladivostok, had travelled to Russia to meet Vashchuk, whom he met in South Korea. He was supposed to return to Fort Cavazos in Texas after leaving the Eighth Army at Camp Humphreys, South Korea. Instead, he made unauthorized trips to China and Russia, violating Pentagon rules.

During the court proceedings, Black pleaded not guilty to the threat charges but admitted partial guilt in taking the money, citing necessity. The prosecution had sought a four-year and eight-month sentence, while Black’s defence pushed for acquittal. His lawyer plans to appeal the verdict.

This case adds to the growing number of American citizens imprisoned in Russia, including Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, who faces espionage charges.

The U.S. State Department has advised against all travel to Russia, citing high danger levels similar to those in Afghanistan, Syria, Iran, and Sudan.