Public statements from US State Department or Russian government

US Soldier Sentenced to Nearly Four Years in Russian Penal Colony for Theft and Death Threats

Jun 19, 2024, 05:15 AM

A Russian court in Vladivostok has sentenced U.S. Staff Sergeant Gordon Black to three years and nine months in a penal colony on Wednesday. Black was found guilty of theft and making death threats against his girlfriend, Alexandra Vashchuk. The prosecution had sought a sentence of four years and eight months. The charges involved stealing $113 from Vashchuk and threatening to kill her. This case adds to the number of Americans currently detained in Russia, state news agencies reported.