American soldier guilty of theft convinces Russia
Staff Sgt. Gordon Black was accused of stealing from his girlfriend during an unauthorized trip to Russia. He was arrested in Vladivostok previously this month.
An American soldier who was reported to be stealing from his girlfriend during a trip to Russia was arrested in Vladivostok earlier this month and was placed in pre-trial detention. Tass reported that he has "admitted guilt and is cooperating with the investigation."
Soldier Black had been stationed in South Korea and traveled on his own to Russia without getting permission from his superiors; therefore, he is currently being held in pretrial confinement. He was detained on May 2nd. Black is remaining in custody until the trial on June 2nd.
It is unknown what precisely the sergeant stole from the woman, yet Russian media reports that Black was charged with "theft causing significant damage." Russian law provides a punishment of 200,000 rubles ($2,200), compulsory labor of up to 240 hours, and even a jail punishment of up to 5 years.
The official court decision or further details have not yet been released to the American press. National spokesperson John Kirby told the press that the United States had been familiarized with the case but could not have said anything more specifically about it.
The U.S. government warns Americans not to visit Russia due to the "potential for harassment and the singling out of U.S. citizens for detention by Russian government security officials."
Source: NBC News, CBS News
