PITTSBURGH — A Butler County native who was imprisoned in Russia for more than three years is back in Pittsburgh.
Police and airport officials said Marc Fogel landed at Pittsburgh International Airport late Tuesday afternoon.
Fogel’s family also confirmed he’s back in Pittsburgh, saying that he’s happy to be back and is adjusting.
His return comes just days after completing the “medical phase” of the State Department’s transition protocol, according to a statement issued on Saturday. He was in Texas undergoing medical evaluations.
Fogel, a Butler County native, had been serving a 14-year sentence in a Russian penal colony for having a small amount of medical marijuana prescribed by a doctor for chronic back issues. He was teaching in Russia when he was detained at an airport in 2021.
Fogel returned to the U.S. on Feb. 11 after being released from prison in exchange for Alexander Vinnik, according to the Associated Press.
Sasha Phillips, the Fogel family attorney, issued a statement requesting privacy for Marc.
“After an extended period of being held hostage, Marc has finally returned to Pittsburgh, but his journey to recovery is only just beginning. He has been strongly advised to limit public exposure as he embarks on the slow and challenging process of healing from the harrowing trauma experienced by him and his loved ones,” the statement reads in part.
Fogel’s Saturday statement read in part, “I cannot wait to rejoin our community but this will take a bit of time and I ask for some patience in replying to you all. I look forward to reaching out to all of you in due time.”
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