The prosecution requested a sentence of 4 years and 8 months in a penal colony and a fine of 40,000 rubles for the American military man Gordon Black, as reported by a correspondent from the court. In Russia, Gordon Black is arrested on charges of theft and murder threats. The hearings on his case started in the Pervomaysky District Court of Vladivostok on June 6.
Black’s defense lawyers asked the court to acquit him of all charges. “There is no evidence of criminal activity on the part of the defendant,” said lawyer Inga Kirichenko in court. Gordon Black refused to give a closing argument or a final statement. The verdict will be announced later today.
During the hearing on June 17, Gordon Black partially admitted guilt in the theft. “I do not admit guilt in the murder threat, partially admit guilt in the theft, there was no intent to steal,” Mr. Black said during the district court hearing. On May 3, the court extended Gordon Black’s detention until July 2.
The 34-year-old American army serviceman is accused of theft (part “b” of Article 158 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation) and murder threats (part 1 of Article 119 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation). According to the indictment, Gordon Black, living with his girlfriend Alexandra Vashchuk in an apartment on Sakhalinskaya Street in Vladivostok, grabbed her by the neck during an argument. She perceived the incident as a “real threat to her life.” According to the second charge, Gordon Black stole 10,000 rubles from the victim’s wallet. The maximum penalty for the first charge is up to five years in prison, and for the second charge, up to two years.
NBC News reported, citing sources, that the detained American military man in Russia came from South Korea voluntarily after the end of his assignment and without permission from his superiors. He holds the rank of a senior sergeant.