In 2022, U.S. Army soldier Staff Sgt. Gordon Black was detained in Russia while visiting his girlfriend. Black, who had out-processed from his duty station in South Korea, was supposed to fly back to the U.S. to report to Fort Cavazos, Texas. His wife, Megan Black, was not aware of his travels and only found out when Army investigators reached out to her about his whereabouts. Black is accused of stealing from his longtime girlfriend, who reported him to the police after discovering cash was missing.
Despite his mother Melody Jones believing that her son was set up by his Russian girlfriend, Megan Black believes that his decision to travel to Russia was motivated by an extra-marital affair and not geopolitical intrigue. She retained a divorce lawyer in July 2022, after nine years of marriage to Black. The couple share a 6-year-old daughter, and the divorce proceedings are currently on hold due to Black’s incarceration status in Russia. Megan hopes for her husband’s safe return to the U.S. as soon as possible.
The relationship between Gordon Black and his Russian girlfriend was described as volatile, with his mother suspecting that she may have been a spy. However, Megan Black maintains that her husband’s decision to go to Russia was based on personal reasons. The pair got married in Belton, Texas, after Black was assigned there, and Megan hopes for her husband’s safe return for the sake of their daughter, who is dealing with the uncertainty of not knowing when she will see or hear from her father again.
The regional branch of the Russian Interior Ministry stated that Black and his girlfriend had a conflict, leading to his detention and criminal charges. Megan Black wishes to clarify that she had no prior knowledge of her husband’s intentions to travel to Russia. She described his decision as “ill-advised” but motivated by personal reasons. The divorce proceedings between Megan and Gordon Black are currently in limbo, awaiting the resolution of his incarceration status.
The strain of Gordon Black’s arrest has affected his family, with his daughter dealing with the uncertainty of not knowing when she will be able to see or communicate with her father again. Megan Black’s lawyer, Brett Pritchard, confirmed that she retained his services to initiate divorce proceedings, as the situation has put a significant strain on their relationship. Despite the challenges, Megan Black remains hopeful for her husband’s safe return and the eventual resolution of their divorce proceedings.
The case of Staff Sgt. Gordon Black highlights the complexities and challenges faced by military families, especially when unexpected events such as incarceration in a foreign country occur. The situation has brought to light issues of personal responsibility, communication, and the impact of extramarital affairs on marriages and families. As Megan Black navigates the legal processes surrounding her husband’s situation, she remains focused on the well-being of their daughter and hopes for a swift and safe resolution for all involved.