EGN NEWS DESK
A Russian court docket sentenced a U.S. Army sergeant to almost 4 years in jail on Wednesday for stealing the equal of about $100 from a lady with whom he was romantically concerned and for making dying threats in opposition to her.
Staff Sgt. Gordon Black, 34, was arrested within the Pacific port of Vladivostok final month after a felony grievance made by the lady, who has not been publicly recognized by the authorities. He had traveled to Russia to go to her after finishing a posting in South Korea.
A press release printed by a Vladivostok court docket stated that Sergeant Black had stolen the cash and threatened her life throughout a home argument. The assertion stated that the theft had brought on “appreciable hurt” to the lady.
Several Russian felony attorneys stated that the sentence was a lot stricter than what a Russian citizen may anticipate to obtain for such prices.
Russian information accounts have reported that Sergeant Black had met the lady in South Korea and that they’d each continuously posted images on social media of their time collectively.
Sergeant Black was scheduled to return dwelling to Texas on the time of his arrest, U.S. officers stated on the time. He didn’t inform his superiors about his journey to Russia, they’ve stated.
In earlier court docket appearances, Sergeant Black denied making dying threats however pleaded responsible to some counts of theft. His lawyer advised reporters that the sentence can be appealed.
If the sentence is upheld, Sergeant Black would serve time at a low-security penal colony, in response to the court docket.
Sergeant Black is the newest American to be detained in Russia in recent times on what U.S. officers say are sometimes trumped-up prices. The higher-profile detentions have gnawed on the already frayed relationship between Russia and the United States, particularly in mild of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine greater than two years in the past.
The sentencing of Sergeant Black comes as Russia prepares to attempt one other American, Evan Gershkovich, on an espionage cost. Next Wednesday, a Russian court docket will maintain the primary listening to within the trial of Mr. Gershkovich, a reporter for The Wall Street Journal, behind closed doorways.
Mr. Gershkovich, 32, was detained by safety brokers within the Russian metropolis of Yekaterinburg, about 900 miles east of Moscow, greater than a 12 months in the past. He had labored in Russia as a journalist for numerous publications for greater than 5 years earlier than his arrest.
The Wall Street Journal and the U.S. authorities have denied the fees in opposition to him. The State Department has designated Mr. Gershkovich as “wrongfully detained,” which successfully compels it to work for his secure launch.
Alina Lobzina contributed reporting.
