A Russian court sentenced 34-year-old U.S. Staff Sergeant Gordon Black to three years and nine months in a penal colony for stealing 10,000 roubles ($113) from his girlfriend, Alexandra Vashchuk, and threatening to kill her.
The court's decision brings an end to a turbulent love story that began in South Korea and ended in Vladivostok, Russia.
The Incident
Black was detained on May 2 in Vladivostok following an argument with Vashchuk, whom he had met while stationed in South Korea, as reported by Reuters.
According to Judge Yelena Stepankova of the Pervomaisky District Court, Black threatened to kill Vashchuk and stole money from her purse during the quarrel.
Black pleaded not guilty to the threat but admitted to taking the money, claiming it was out of necessity.
Standing in a glass cage during the court session, Black was sentenced to nearly four years and ordered to repay the 10,000 roubles.
Prosecutors had sought a longer sentence of four years and eight months, while the defense requested an acquittal on all charges.
Black's defense lawyer plans to appeal the verdict.
Background of the Relationship
Before their relationship soured, Vashchuk referred to Black on social media as her "husband" and affectionately called him "pindos," a slang term for Americans.
Despite being married with a child in Texas, Black followed Vashchuk to Russia without military authorization, violating army rules.
Black's wife, Megan, described the relationship as tempestuous, with Black's mother stating that the couple "fought like cats and dogs."
Black's journey to Russia began after he signed out of the Eighth Army at Camp Humphreys in South Korea and traveled through China to meet Vashchuk.
Broader Context
Black is one of at least a dozen American citizens currently jailed in Russia, including Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, who faces espionage charges.
U.S. President Joe Biden has pledged to do everything possible to bring Americans detained in Russia back home.
The U.S. State Department advises against all travel to Russia, ranking it as a maximum danger zone alongside countries like Afghanistan, Syria, Iran, and Sudan.
