U.S. soldier sentenced to nearly four years in Russian prison

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Gordon Black on Wednesday received a sentence of three years and nine months in Russian prison on charges of theft and making murder threats, Russian state media reported. The Russian court on Wednesday also ordered Black to pay a 10,000 ruble fine—roughly $113.

What exactly happened? Russian authorities arrested Black in May in the city of Vladivostok, Russian state media TASS reported. He was there after finishing a tour of duty in South Korea and had traveled through China to get to Russia, according to Pentagon Deputy Press Secretary Sabrina Singh. She added that he was not there in his official capacity as a member of the U.S. armed forces but for what she characterized as personal reasons. While in Vladivostok, Black was visiting a woman with whom he allegedly had a relationship, a local Russian media outlet reported.

While there on the visit, Black allegedly grabbed the woman’s neck at one point during an argument that took place at an apartment, according to Russian investigators. She perceived that as a clear threat to her life. He then allegedly stole 10,000 rubles from her wallet and used it to pay for the hotel room, where authorities ultimately found and detained him.

What exact charges did he face, and did he admit to wrongdoing? Black faces charges that he stole from the woman and threatened to kill her, Russian state media reported. He partially admitted to theft but not to any assault or threat to kill, according to Russian media.

What does the United States have to say about this? The U.S. State Department told WORLD that it reiterates its warnings about the dangers Americans face inside Russia. It added that U.S. citizens in Russia should depart immediately.

Dig deeper: Read Christina Grube’s report in The Sift on the start of Black’s trial.