A United States soldier has been sentenced to nearly four years in a Russian penal colony for theft.
Gordon Black, a 34-year-old Army Staff Sgt., was arrested in Vladivostok, Russia, and charged with stealing about $100 from a woman he was visiting. Black claimed he needed the money for food and a hotel, but he returned it the next day.
Related Story: Here’s what we know about the American soldier detained in Russia
Army spokeswoman Cynthia O. Smith stated that Black was stationed in South Korea and was supposed to return home to Cavazos, Texas, on leave. However, he traveled to China and then Russia without permission from the military for personal reasons.
Smith mentioned that travel to China and Russia is restricted for military personnel, and Black’s family was notified of his arrest by the Army after Russian officials informed the U.S. embassy in Moscow.
Related Story: US reporter Evan Gershkovich, jailed in Russia on espionage charges, to stand trial, officials say
Russia has detained several Americans, including Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and former Marine Paul Whelan, who the U.S. State Department believes are wrongfully held.