TEMPLE, Texas — The American soldier who was detained in Russia was in the process of returning to his home base of Fort Cavazos, according to an Associated Press report.
6 News learned Staff Sgt. Gordon Black, 34, is married to a woman in Killeen. We chose not to identify her but she tells 6 News they were in the process of getting a divorce. She provided no other comment and asked for privacy.
According to U.S. officials, Black was stationed in South Korea and was in the process of returning home to Fort Cavazos. Instead, he took a detour to Russia to see a longtime girlfriend from Korea.
Officials told AP News that the girlfriend got into some sort of altercation or domestic dispute with Black and afterward, she moved back to Russia. It isn't known at this time when she left and whether or not she left voluntarily as a result of their interaction.
Army Spokeswoman Cynthia Smith also told AP News that Black was arrested on Thursday, May 2, in Vladivostok, which is a major military and commercial Pacific port. He was charged with criminal misconduct and is accused of stealing from her.
Russian authorities notified U.S. authorities about his arrest. In turn, the U.S. Army notified Black's family.
Black reportedly did not tell his unit that he was going to Russia prior to Fort Cavazos. He was also not authorized to go there.
According to AP, his arrest further complicates U.S. relations with Russia, which has grown increasingly tense as the war in Ukraine drags on.
The State Department advises Americans to not travel to Russia.