US Army Halts Pay for Staff Sergeant Black, Considers Prosecution After Russia Imprisonment

The U.S. Army has halted all wages and allowances for Staff Sergeant Gordon Black, who was sentenced last month to nearly four years in a Russian penal colony. The decision reflects the Army’s response to Black’s legal troubles and may pave the way for potential prosecution if he returns to the United States, according to U.S. officials.

Black, 34, was convicted in Russia of theft and threatening murder. His legal issues began with a series of infractions related to Army regulations, including traveling to Russia without military authorization and flying through China. His situation was further complicated by his involvement in an extramarital affair with Alexandra Vashchuk, a Russian woman he met during a deployment in South Korea. During a leave from the military, Black followed Vashchuk to Vladivostok, where an argument led her to report him to the authorities.

A senior U.S. defense official, speaking on condition of anonymity, drew a parallel between Black’s case and that of U.S. Army Private Travis King. King, who entered North Korea last year and was subsequently detained, faced charges of desertion once he was released. Black's situation, involving both legal and personal misconduct, is being monitored closely by military officials.

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The Army’s decision to stop Black’s wages and allowances in May reflects the seriousness of his violations. Despite this, the Army is maintaining medical benefits and base privileges for Black’s family, who reside near Fort Cavazos, Texas. The decision to change Black’s status to "Confined Civilian Authority" (CCA) has sparked some debate. An Army spokesperson confirmed that while Black remains on active duty, he is not receiving pay or allowances.

Franklin Rosenblatt, an associate professor at Mississippi College School of Law and former Army Judge Advocate General, noted that the CCA status is routine for U.S. soldiers detained within the country. However, assigning this status to Black while he is in Russia could be controversial. Rosenblatt expressed concerns that this might inadvertently legitimize the Russian legal proceedings against Black.

Black’s defense lawyer in Russia has indicated intentions to appeal the verdict but could not be reached for further comment. Meanwhile, Black's wife Megan and mother Melody Jones have described a tumultuous relationship between Black and Vashchuk. Megan recounted an incident where Vashchuk allegedly stabbed Black during a video call with his daughter. Jones mentioned that despite frequent conflicts, Black followed Vashchuk to Russia.

Prosecutors in Russia allege that Black assaulted Vashchuk during a heated argument and stole money from her. Black has claimed that Vashchuk was intoxicated and aggressive, which led to the confrontation.

Rosenblatt suggested that while the Army may consider prosecuting Black upon his return, it might choose leniency if he serves his full sentence in Russia. He explained that the harsh conditions in the Russian penal colony could influence any potential decision to forgo additional military prosecution.

The U.S. military has not provided Black with special military counsel, and his future remains uncertain as his legal and military matters continue to unfold.

July 31, 2024 5:27 p.m. 599

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