VLADIVOSTOK, RUSSIA – A US soldier, Gordon Black, has been sentenced to three years and nine months in a Russian penal colony after being found guilty of theft and threats to kill his girlfriend. Black, a 34-year-old US staff sergeant, was detained in Vladivostok, Russia’s far east, on May 2.

During the trial, Black pleaded not guilty to the charges of threatening to kill his girlfriend. However, he did admit partial guilt to stealing from her. The judge handed down the sentence of “imprisonment of three years and nine months” for both charges, with the defense lawyer planning to appeal the verdict.

Prosecutors had initially asked for a prison sentence of four years and eight months, while the defense argued for Black to be acquitted of all charges. The incident revolves around Black stealing 10,000 roubles ($113) from his girlfriend’s purse. Despite acknowledging his partial guilt, Black claimed there was no intent behind the theft.

Black and his girlfriend, Alexandra Vashchuk, met in South Korea where he was stationed. The Pentagon confirmed that Black had broken army rules by traveling to Russia without authorization, passing through China in the process. Black, who has a wife and child back in Texas, reportedly had a tumultuous relationship with Vashchuk.

According to Black’s mother, Melody Jones, her son had followed his girlfriend to Russia despite their turbulent relationship. This incident sheds light on the challenges faced by American citizens detained in Russia, with at least a dozen individuals, including Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, currently being held in Russian jails. Gershkovich is set to go on trial behind closed doors on charges of espionage, which he has denied.