US Citizen Sentenced to 12.5 Years in Prison in Russia

A Russian-born U.S. citizen was sentenced Thursday to nearly 13 years in prison on drug-related charges in Moscow, court officials said.

Robert Woodland, born in Russia in 1991, was adopted by American parents at the age of two. He returned to Russia at the age of 26 to meet his biological mother, he said.

Citing court officials, Russian media outlet Interfax said Woodland also has Russian citizenship.

Woodland had been detained since January on attempted drug trafficking charges that Russian state media said were linked to an organized group.

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Robert Woodland, right, a Russian-born U.S. citizen, is escorted into the courtroom for a hearing, Thursday, July 4, 2024, in Moscow, Russia. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko)

At the time of Woodland's arrest, the U.S. State Department said that “the safety and security of U.S. citizens abroad is its top priority.” No further comment has been released since.

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Woodland was convicted of drug charges and sentenced Thursday to 12 1/2 years in prison. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko)

Woodland's attorney, Stanislav Kshevitsky, said Thursday that they would appeal the decision because his guilt has not been proven. Additionally, Kshevitsky cited Robert's unspecified mental health issues as grounds for appeal.

Robert Woodland, right, a Russian-born U.S. citizen, stands in a glass cage as he speaks with his attorney Stanislav Kshevitsky before a court hearing, Thursday, July 4, 2024, in Moscow, Russia. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko)

At least a dozen Americans are currently being held in Russian prisons, according to Reuters reports.

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If no appeal is filed, Robert Woodland will serve a 12.5-year sentence in a maximum-security penal colony.