US Army Soldier Detained in Russia Remains in Custody Until July 2nd

Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh has provided an update on US Army Staff Sgt. Gordon Black, who has been detained in Russia since May 2, 2024. Russian authorities have extended Black's pretrial detention until July 2nd, as he faces charges of theft with "significant damage" to property.

Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh has provided an update on US Army Staff Sgt. Gordon Black, who has been detained in Russia since May 2, 2024. Russian authorities have extended Black's pretrial detention until July 2nd, as he faces charges of theft with "significant damage" to property.

Black, who enlisted in the Army as an infantryman in 2008, was most recently assigned to the Eighth Army U.S. Forces Korea at Camp Humphreys in South Korea. Prior to his arrest, he traveled to Vladivostok, Russia "for personal reasons," according to the Pentagon.

The Pervomaisky District Court of Vladivostok stated that the decision to detain Black was made due to concerns that he might abscond from the investigation and avoid responsibility for his alleged actions, according to Reuters. The court also revealed that Black is accused of "secretly stealing the property of citizen T., causing the latter significant damage."

Russian officials in Vladivostok have reported that a 32-year-old woman filed a complaint against the 34-year-old Black. The woman, who allegedly met Black in South Korea, claimed that they had an argument during his visit to Russia, and she subsequently accused him of stealing money. Black was subsequently taken into custody at a hotel.

Pentagon Deputy Press Secretary Sabrina Singh confirmed that Black signed out on permanent change of station on April 10th to return to Texas. However, instead of returning to the U.S., he flew to Vladivostok, Russia, in violation of official orders and State Department guidelines.

The Army has initiated an administrative investigation to determine the details of Black's travel and consider potential consequences for his actions. Singh emphasized that travel to Russia is strictly prohibited under Department of Defense foreign clearance guidelines.

Black's mother, Melody Jones, expressed her belief that her son was "set up" by the woman who accused him. She described their relationship as "volatile" and suspected she might be involved in espionage. Jones had previously advised her son against traveling to Russia on leave.

Black previously deployed to Iraq from October 2009 to September 2010 and to Afghanistan from June 2013 to March 2014. The situation continues to evolve, and the Pentagon remains engaged with Russian authorities regarding Black's case.