A Russian court sentenced US Staff Sgt. Gordon Black to three years and nine months in a penal colony for theft and threatening murder, according to state news agency RIA Novosti.

Black was arrested in May in Vladivostok for allegedly stealing 10,000 rubles (about $112) from a woman believed to be his girlfriend, after meeting her in South Korea and visiting Russia in April.

He was also accused of assaulting her during a dispute. Black partially admitted to the theft but denied threatening to kill her.

He plans to appeal the sentence. Black stated in court that he took the money but transferred $125 to the woman the next day and used the funds for food and lodging, CNN reported.

The woman testified she was not ready to reconcile, as damages had not been compensated.

This sentencing occurs amid heightened US-Russia tensions due to the Ukraine conflict, with other Americans, including Paul Whelan and Evan Gershkovich, also detained in Russia.

Written by B.C. Begley