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US Soldier Pleads Guilty to Theft Charges in Russia
An unexpected twist to this unusual story
Image from DOD via X
A U.S. soldier detained in Russia has pleaded guilty to theft charges, according to several state media outlets. Staff Sgt. Gordon Black, 34, was arrested earlier this month in Vladivostok on suspicion of stealing money from a Russian woman he was in a relationship with.
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Black, assigned to the Eighth Army at Camp Humphreys, South Korea, traveled to Russia from South Korea via China. He was initially supposed to be on leave heading to an Army base in Texas but flew to Russia to meet Aleksandra Vashchuk, his girlfriend.
According to Russian state media, Black admitted guilt and is cooperating with authorities. He had been in a relationship with Vashchuk for at least a year, as evidenced by their social media posts.
Black’s mother, Melody Jones, pleaded with Russian authorities not to harm her son. The U.S. State Department, while confirming awareness of Black’s detention, cited privacy rules when commenting on the case.
Matthew Miller, a State Department spokesperson, affirmed efforts to assist Black and stated that the U.S. continuously seeks the release of other Americans held in Russian custody, including Paul Whelan and Evan Gershkovich.
Details regarding Black’s plea and potential implications for his legal situation remain unclear. Military.com cannot independently verify the reports from Russian state media.
