Overview
- Court statements identify the man as Charles Wayne Zimmerman and say he admitted guilt to illegally transporting firearms.
- The Krasnodar regional court said an appeal was rejected as officials released photos and video of the yacht, rifle and ammunition.
- Court records indicate Zimmerman was convicted in October 2025 and the Sochi verdict was upheld two months later.
- Authorities say he sailed to Russia to meet a woman he met online and told investigators he believed the firearm could remain aboard for self-defense.
- Zimmerman’s family disputes the case, alleging he was intercepted in international waters, that he voluntarily disclosed the firearm and has lacked U.S. consular access, while U.S. officials offered no immediate comment.