Russia lowers jail time for American soldier’s crime

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A Russian appeals court has reduced the prison term for U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Gordon Black, who was convicted of theft and making death threats, according to RIA Novosti, Russia’s state news outlet.

Black, 34, was taken into custody in Vladivostok in May 2024 following allegations of theft made by his girlfriend. The initial verdict delivered in June resulted in a three-year and nine-month prison sentence, along with a fine of 10,000 rubles (approximately $115) for damages.

While his first appeal was unsuccessful, the 9th Court of Cassation has now shortened his sentence to three years and two months. The court partially granted the defense team’s request to dismiss the murder threat charges and reduce the theft penalty, as reported by RIA.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Gordon Black had his sentence reduced at a court in Vladivostok for his conviction of stealing from his girlfriend. https://t.co/xgltR0C1x5

— Newsweek (@Newsweek) April 7, 2025

This case joins a growing list of Americans imprisoned in Russia amid deteriorating relations between Moscow and Western nations. Several high-profile cases, including those of Paul Whelan, Evan Gershkovich, and Marc Fogel, have resulted in prisoner exchanges after the U.S. government classified them as wrongfully detained.

Currently, other Americans remain in Russian custody for various offenses. These include Robert Gilman, 72, serving 3 1/2 years for allegedly assaulting a police officer during an intoxicated incident on a train, and musician Travis Leake, who received a 13-year sentence on drug-related charges in July 2024.

At the time of the incident, Black was on leave from his posting at Camp Humphreys in South Korea with the Eighth Army, preparing to return to Fort Cavazos, Texas.

According to Army officials, Black deviated from his return route to the United States, choosing instead to fly from Incheon to Vladivostok via China for personal reasons.

Military regulations require service members to obtain security clearance for international travel from either a security manager or commander.

US Staff Sergeant Gordon Black was jailed by a court in Vladivostok last year for three years and nine months for theft and making threats of murder.

Russian court reduces jail sentence of US soldier Gordon Black as diplomatic ties thaw#news pic.twitter.com/JWxAtGhKPD

— Dubon007 (@gdubon007) April 7, 2025

Military authorities confirmed last month that Black had neither requested nor received proper travel authorization from the Defense Department. Given the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and security concerns, such approval would have been highly unlikely.

Alexandra Vashchuk, Black’s girlfriend, told reporters last year that “it was a simple domestic dispute,” during which Black “became aggressive and attacked” her, stealing money from her wallet. She described Black as “violent and unable to control himself.”

U.S. officials have revealed that Black, who is married, formed a relationship with Vashchuk while in South Korea.

According to American authorities, Vashchuk had been living in South Korea when she and Black experienced a domestic conflict in autumn. She subsequently left the country, though the circumstances of her departure and any potential involvement of South Korean authorities remain unclear.