The mother of a U.S. Army Staff Sergeant, Gordon Black, believes her son was "set up" after his arrest in Russia on charges of beating and stealing from a woman. Black, who has previously served in Iraq and Afghanistan, was detained in May after traveling to Russia without official authorization.
On May 2, 2023, U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Gordon Black was detained in the Russian Pacific port city of Vladivostok. The 34-year-old soldier was accused of assaulting and robbing a Russian woman. The charges against Black, who has a history of military service in Iraq and Afghanistan, have raised concerns within his family and the U.S. military.
Black's mother, Melody Jones, has expressed her belief that her son was "set up" in Russia. She told ABC's "Good Morning America" that her son's relationship with the Russian woman was "volatile," and she suspected the woman may have been a spy. Jones said she had advised her son not to travel to Russia during his leave.
Black deployed to Iraq from October 2009 to September 2010, and to Afghanistan from June 2013 to March 2014, according to Army spokeswoman Cynthia Smith. In April 2023, Black out-processed from Eighth Army with the intention of returning to Fort Cavazos, Texas. However, he instead flew to Vladivostok for personal reasons without obtaining official clearance or authorization.
Smith emphasized that Black's travel to Russia was unauthorized. She stated that there was no evidence to suggest that Black intended to remain in Russia after the conclusion of his leave period.
Black is currently being held in a Russian pre-trial detention facility. His next hearing is reportedly scheduled for early July. The U.S. State Department has strongly advised U.S. citizens against traveling to Russia and has urged those already there to leave.
Black is not the only American citizen currently detained in Russia. William Nycum, an English instructor on a tourist visa, was arrested for breaking into a children's library in Moscow. Corporate security executive Paul Whelan and Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich are also being held by Russia on espionage charges. The U.S. government has designated both as wrongfully detained.
The U.S. government is actively negotiating for the release of its citizens detained in Russia. The State Department has urged Russia to respect its international obligations and ensure the fair treatment of all detainees. The ongoing diplomatic efforts aim to secure the safe return of all American citizens to their homes.
