Ballerina with ties to Maryland sentenced to 12 years in prison in Russia

Russian-American dual citizen Ksenia Karelina, a ballerina with ties to Maryland, was sentenced to 12 years in prison in Russia on Thursday for treason.

Chris Van Heerden, Karelina's boyfriend, asked on CBS Mornings to bring her back to the United States.

“I'm begging the American government,” Van Heerden said. “I'm not a beggar, but I'm begging the American people to help bring Ksenia back.”

Karelina is originally from Russia but became a US citizen three years ago.

She was arrested in January while visiting family in Russia after authorities there discovered that she had donated $51 to a U.S.-based charity providing aid to Ukraine.

Her family had hoped she would be released as part of a major prisoner exchange between the US and Russia two weeks ago, but her trial date fell after that exchange.

Karelina had lived with her then-husband in Randallstown, Baltimore County for five years before moving to Los Angeles.

Her former mother-in-law referred reporters to Van Heerden's statements on Thursday.

Karelina's boyfriend continues to push for her release as she is being wrongfully detained.

“This whole trial is a lie, the 12-year sentence,” Van Heerden said. “I'm trying to understand that. She is an American citizen who, as an American citizen in Los Angeles, donated $51.80, exercising her First Amendment rights.”

Unless Karelina appeals, the verdict will take effect in 15 days.

WJZ is a media partner of The Baltimore Banner.