Pastor Imprisoned for Smuggling Ammunition

By Pamela Mortimer

Phillip Miles, a pastor at the Christ Community Church in Conway, S.C., has been sentenced on charges of smuggling and trafficking ammunition into Russia. Miles was arrested on February 3, just a few days after customs agents at the Moscow airport discovered a box of 20 .300 cartridges in his luggage.

The pastor claims that he had no intention of smuggling and didn’t know that bringing ammunition into Russia was illegal. The ammunition, he claimed, was for a friend who had recently purchased a Winchester rifle.

Although the pastor has been incarcerated since his arrest, Miles states he is confident that "what’s happening to him is part of God’s plan."

As a result of the arrest, Miles has been sentenced to serve three years out of a possible seven for the smuggling charge; and an additional two months for the charge of trafficking. The latter carries a maximum penalty of four years, according to a State Department official.

"We are disappointed in today’s verdict and concerned that Mr. Miles will have to spend additional time incarcerated in Russia," said the official. "We feel that three years and two months is harsh for what Mr. Miles admitted was an error."

During his detainment, Miles has been kept in a special prison wing designed to house foreign nationals. This may be a benefit for Miles who doesn’t speak Russian - "just a few words," according to his attorney, Dominic Starr. "I’m sure he felt isolated," Starr added.

Starr also told reporters that Miles has remained healthy and safe during his incarceration. "He’s not felt threatened in any way," he said.

Miles has regular visits by U.S. embassy officials in Moscow who have been relaying messages and letters from home. A State Department spokesman said that a consular officer was present at Miles’ trial and sentencing.

Bailiffs led Miles from the courtroom in handcuffs after he was sentenced.

"I’m very disappointed. It’s a strange sentence for one box of hunting bullets," Miles said.

"I am deeply disappointed in the outcome of the ruling today, and I do trust that the appeals court will address the evidence and reverse the verdict," said Starr.

Vladimir Ryakhovsky, an attorney representing Miles in Moscow, believes that the sentence was "surprisingly severe".

"I hoped he would only be found guilty of the illegal possession of ammunition," said Ryakhovsky. The lawyer said the conviction for smuggling was unfounded and that Miles had not intended to break the law.

An appeal has been filed on Miles’ behalf. The appeal is expected to be heard within 10 days.