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American Soldier Held in Russia to Remain in Jail for Two More Months on Theft Charges
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Photo by Serge Kutuzov
Russian officials announced on Tuesday that Staff Sgt. Gordon Black, an American soldier detained in Vladivostok, will continue to be held in custody for at least two additional months while authorities investigate theft allegations against him.
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Black, who has served in the Army since 2008 and deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan during his 16-year military career, was apprehended by Russian police on May 2 upon his arrival from South Korea. Despite being stationed at Eighth Army with U.S. Forces Korea at Camp Humphreys, he was en route to Fort Cavazos, Texas, at the time of his arrest.
In a statement released by Russian court officials, it was confirmed that Black would remain in pre-trial confinement until July 2 as the investigation into the case proceeds.
U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller stated that American officials are working to provide Black with consular assistance but did not comment on whether the arrest is deemed politically motivated.
According to Army spokeswoman Cynthia Smith, Black’s travel to Russia was not authorized by the Department of Defense, as he did not request official clearance for his trip to China and Russia. Smith clarified that there is no indication that Black intended to defect from the United States, as he was reportedly visiting Russia to see his girlfriend, who had previously resided in South Korea.
Black has been charged with “theft of personal property,” although no further details regarding the charges have been disclosed.
Miller reiterated State Department warnings against U.S. citizens traveling to Russia, citing the detention of several Americans on what U.S. leaders insist are false and baseless charges. Notably, former Marine Paul Whelan, Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, and musician Travis Leake are among those currently detained in Russia.
Defense Department officials and representatives from the U.S. embassy in Moscow have maintained contact with Black’s family regarding his detention.
