Overview
- Court statements identify the defendant as Charles Wayne Zimmerman, 58, convicted of illegally transporting weapons and described as having admitted guilt.
- Officials say a rifle and Remington ammunition were found on his yacht when it arrived in Sochi in June 2025, and the court published arrest footage and images of the items.
- Records reported by the Associated Press indicate he was convicted in October 2025 and the verdict was upheld in December, with the announcement made public on Jan. 19, 2026.
- Zimmerman told the court he sailed to Russia to see a woman he met online and kept the gun for self-defense, saying he did not know it was illegal while docked.
- His family disputes the case, alleging interception in international waters, voluntary disclosure of the firearm, denial of consular access, and a politically motivated detention, while U.S. officials offered no immediate comment.