Trial begins in Russia for U.S. soldier who was arrested on theft charges

A Russian court began the trial for Army Staff Sgt. Gordon Black, 34, following his arrest on theft charges earlier this year in Vladivostok, a city in Russia.

Black faces up to 5 years in prison if found guilty.

Black was arrested over a "domestic dispute with his Russian girlfriend, Alexandra Vashchuk, who accused him of stealing money from her wallet" after he attacked her. 

“He then stole money from my wallet and I didn’t give him permission to do it,” Vashchuk said.

The U.S. State Department currently recommends that American citizens not travel to Russia.

According to the Associated Press, Black is reportedly married and met his girlfriend while he was stationed in South Korea. He did not obtain permission from the Pentagon to travel to Russia.