Shenango Valley News

U.S. Representative Mike Kelly from Pennsylvania has issued a statement regarding the recent designation of Marc Fogel as 'wrongfully detained' by the U.S. Department of State. Fogel, a teacher and native of Butler County, Pennsylvania, has been held in Russia since 2021.

"Marc Fogel’s designation as wrongfully detained is long overdue, but I’m pleased to see the State Department take this critical step," Rep. Kelly stated. He further expressed his commitment to working towards Fogel's release and reunion with his family in Western Pennsylvania.

Fogel was arrested on August 14, 2021, for possessing medical marijuana used for treating a severe back injury and is currently serving a 14-year hard-labor sentence. His case bears similarities to that of WNBA player Brittney Griner, who was also detained in Russia on similar charges but was released after less than three months following a prisoner swap.

Rep. Kelly has been advocating for Fogel's return since his imprisonment and introduced The Marc Fogel Act in June to amend existing legislation for more transparency from the State Department regarding wrongful detainment decisions.

In December 2023, members of the Pennsylvania delegation urged Secretary of State Antony Blinken to ensure any potential prisoner swaps include Fogel alongside other Americans like Paul Whelan and Evan Gershkovich.