NewsAmerican soldier guilty of theft convinces Russia

American soldier guilty of theft convinces Russia

LIBAVA, CZECH REPUBLIC - MAY 10: Alliance exercise Immediate Response in the premises of the Libava Military District in Libava, Czech Republic on May 10, 2024. The exercise is part of the large-scale allied exercise in Europe DEFENDER EUROPE 24. The main partner of the units of the Army of the Czech Republic (7th Mechanized Brigade) as part of the IMMEDIATE RESPONSE 2024 exercise are American soldiers from the 29th Infantry Division of the Virginia National Guard. About 1,200 people are participating in the exercise, including approximately 850 American soldiers, including their combat equipment. The exercise is intended to test the army's ability to comprehensively secure allied units on the territory of the Czech Republic in large-scale operations and to support allied efforts in building defense capabilities within the framework of the North Atlantic Alliance (NATO). (Photo by Lukas Kabon/Anadolu via Getty Images)

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7:28 PM EDT, May 16, 2024, updated: 8:46 AM EDT, May 19, 2024

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