A U.S. soldier who was detained in the Russian city of Vladivostok on suspicion of theft and threatening to kill his girlfriend was convicted and sentenced to three years and nine months in a Russian prison on Wednesday, Russian news agencies reported.
U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Gordon Black, 34, who was arrested on May 2 in Vladivostok, Russia’s far east, pleaded not guilty on Monday to threatening to kill his girlfriend but pleaded “partially” guilty to robbing her.
Brak’s lawyers plan to appeal the verdict, RIA reported, adding that the judge sentenced him to “three years and nine months in prison” on both charges.
The station reported that the prosecution had sought a prison sentence of four years and eight months, while the defense had sought acquittal for Black.
According to the RIA news agency, Black “partially” pleaded guilty to stealing 10,000 rubles ($113) from his girlfriend, Alexandra Vashtyuk’s, wallet, but said it was “not his intention.”
The two met in South Korea, where Black was stationed.
The Pentagon said he violated military regulations by traveling to Russia via China without authorization.
Black has a wife and children in Texas.
His wife, Megan, told Reuters last month that he and Vashchuk had a tempestuous relationship.
Black’s mother, Melody Jones, told Reuters that her husband had followed her to Russia despite a bitter relationship with his girlfriend.
Russia is holding at least 12 Americans in prison, including Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, who faces a closed trial next week on espionage charges.
Gershkovich denies charges that he collected classified information for the CIA.
