Marc Fogel, a 63-year-old teacher from Butler County has been released from Russian prison after the White House negotiated his release.

Fogel was arrested in Moscow, Russia in 2021 after being found with 17 grams of medical marijuana prescribed by an American doctor. He was sentenced to 14 years and served 3 years before returning home to the United States.

In a statement, National Security advisor Mike Waltz told reporters, “Today, President Donald J. Trump and his Special Envoy Steve Witkoff are able to announce that Mr. Witkoff is leaving Russian airspace with Marc Fogel, an American who was detained by Russia.”

After touching down in the United States, Fogel was taken to the White House and was greeted by President Donald Trump and other administration members, such as Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Along with the President and other staff was Fogel’s 95-year-old mother, Malphine Fogel.

Malphine Fogel was present at the rally in Butler County, Pennsylvania where Thomas Crooks attempted to assassinate President Trump. At the rally, Malphine was a featured guest and was able to spread the word about her son and his story. “I explained that my son was in a Russian jail for the same crime that Brittany Griner committed, Griner was in jail for 10 months before President Biden got her out. My son had been in for three years, and I haven’t heard from the President or anyone in Washington.” Malphine then says that Trump made a promise to her that if he were elected, he would get her son released from jail. “Mr. Trump said ‘If I get in, I will get him out’ and gave me a thumbs up.”

In October 2024, the U.S. State Department declared that Marc Fogel was wrongfully detained which held the government legally liable to push for his release. Finally, Fogel was able to be returned home due to a negotiated exchange. However, it is not clear how many Russians held by the US were being released in exchange for Fogel.

After his release, Fogel was reunited with loved ones and completed the initial medical phase of his reintegration. According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, his Attorney, Sasha Phillips, released a video on her Facebook page on Saturday allowing Fogel to express his gratitude to those who have supported him. “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.”

As of now, Marc Fogel is continuing his reintegration into society and enjoying friends and family. No further statement has been made by Fogel.