American Soldier Sentenced to Prison in Russia for Theft and Threats

MOSCOW— Staff Sgt. Gordon Black, a visiting American soldier, has been sentenced to three years and nine months in prison by a court in Vladivostok, Russia, on charges of theft and making threats of murder.

Black, 34, traveled to the Pacific port city to visit his girlfriend and was arrested last month following accusations of theft leveled against him by his girlfriend, Alexandra Vashchuk. According to U.S. officials and Russian authorities, the judge at Pervomaisky District Court also ordered Black to pay 10,000 rubles ($115) in damages. Prosecutors had sought a longer sentence of four years and eight months.

The case unfolds amidst heightened tensions between the United States and Russia, particularly concerning Russia's recent arrests of American citizens, including journalists and other nationals, amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Among those detained are corporate security executive Paul Whelan and Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, both of whom the U.S. government has labeled as wrongfully detained and seeks to negotiate their release. Other detainees include musician Travis Leake and teacher Marc Fogel, all on various charges.

Black, stationed with the Eighth Army at Camp Humphreys in South Korea, was on leave and en route to Fort Cavazos, Texas, when he diverted to Vladivostok without proper authorization from the U.S. Defense Department, violating Pentagon travel policies.

Vashchuk initially described the incident as a domestic dispute, stating that Black had become aggressive and stole money from her wallet without permission. She later characterized the sentence as "quite humane" and portrayed Black as “violent and unable to control himself.”

According to U.S. officials, Black and Vashchuk met in South Korea, where she had been residing. Details surrounding their relationship, including prior altercations and Vashchuk's departure from South Korea, remain unclear.

The sentencing marks a significant development in a case that underscores the complexities of international legal issues involving military personnel and domestic disputes abroad.