Russian Penal Colony

 Washington Post: Russia sentences U.S. soldier to almost 4 years in penal colony - Prosecutors accused U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Gordon Black of stealing 10,000 rubles ($120) from his Russian girlfriend and threatening to kill her. He plans to appeal. By Adela Suliman and Natalia Abbakumova

Black met Alexandra Vashchuk in South Korea, where he was stationed until April, and began a romantic relationship with her. After she returned to Russia without him, he followed her there without notifying his commanders or getting permission.