Marc Fogel arrives in Pittsburgh after release from Russian prison
Marc Fogel, a Butler County native who had spent over three years in a Russian prison before his release last week, is back in Pittsburgh, Allegheny County police confirmed on Tuesday.
Police said Fogel landed at Pittsburgh International Airport late Tuesday afternoon. Fogel arrived in the U.S. last week after he was released from prison in Russia, where he had been serving a 14-year sentence.
County police escorted him through the airport on Tuesday afternoon.
His sister Anne released a statement following his release and subsequent return to Pittsburgh.
"Indeed we are thrilled. And I'm sure you all are very excited to talk with him, but he is going to need some time before he's ready to talk to the media. Marc appreciates the support of the media but begs for a bit more time. Many thanks for the support you've given us."
"Free at last, free at last, thank God almighty I am free at last!" Fogel wrote in an update to supporters that was shared on Facebook by attorney Sasha Phillips over the weekend. "All of your support and love was my nourishment the last 3 years and 6 months and I will be forever grateful. I am humbled and overwhelmed by what has been done to secure my release by so many."
At the time, Fogel said he was going through the medical phase of the Department of State's transition protocol and had to complete another phase "before moving into life as we know it."
Fogel was detained in Moscow in August 2021 when he and his wife flew back to Russia for their 10th and final year of teaching in the country. His family said he was carrying 17 grams of cannabis for medical reasons to treat chronic back pain. He was sentenced to 14 years and following his sentence, he was transferred to a hard labor colony.
The White House confirmed Fogel's release was secured in a prisoner swap for Russian cybercriminal and crypto fraudster Alexander Vinnik.
Over the years, Fogel's family and lawmakers have pushed to bring him home. Fogel's mother, 95-year-old Malphine Fogel, told KDKA-TV last week that his release came as a total surprise to her.
"I really wondered if I would get to see him again, I think he worried about it," she said.
Last week, Fogel called President Trump "a hero" for facilitating his return to the United States.
While he is back in Pittsburgh, he and his family are asking for time and distance as he reacclimates to life in America.
"We ask that the media and the public honor this request for privacy, allowing Marc and his family the time and space they need to heal together. Marc will do his part by getting better if you can do your part by helping him."
