Marc Fogel, born Marc Hilliard Fogel on July 28, 1961, in Butler, Pennsylvania, USA, is an American schoolteacher who gained international attention after being arrested and imprisoned in Russia for drug trafficking in 2021. Fogel, who had lived and worked in Russia as a history teacher since 2012, was detained for carrying 17 grams of medical marijuana, prescribed for chronic pain. In June 2022, he was sentenced to 14 years in a Russian penal colony, a punishment that many in the U.S. considered excessive.
Fogel’s imprisonment drew comparisons to the Brittney Griner case, although his release was delayed for several years. In February 2025, following diplomatic negotiations, Fogel was released from Russian custody in an exchange deal and returned to the United States, where he was welcomed at the White House by President Donald Trump.
In this article, we will explore in-depth details about Marc Fogel’s biography, net worth, imprisonment, release, career, family, and more.
Marc Fogel Short Details
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Marc Hilliard Fogel |
| Profession | Teacher |
| Hometown | Butler, Pennsylvania, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Date of Birth | July 28, 1961 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 63 years old |
| Height | 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) |
| Weight | 80 kg (176 lbs) |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Hair Color | Gray |
| Zodiac Sign | Leo |
| Years Active | 1980s – 2021 (Teaching Career) |
| Arrested | August 15, 2021 (Russia) |
| Charges | Drug Trafficking |
| Sentence | 14 Years (Released after 3.5 years) |
| Release Date | February 11, 2025 |
Early Life and Career
Education and Teaching Career
Marc Fogel grew up in Pennsylvania and attended Indiana University of Pennsylvania, where he earned his degree in history and education. After graduating, he pursued a career in teaching and became a highly respected educator at international schools worldwide.
Fogel spent decades teaching history and social studies in various countries, including:
- Colombia
- Malaysia
- Oman
- Mexico
- Venezuela
- Russia
In 2012, Fogel moved to Moscow, Russia, where he began teaching at the Anglo-American School of Moscow, an elite institution attended by children of diplomats, expatriates, and foreign professionals.
Fogel was known for his passion for history, engaging teaching methods, and dedication to students.
Arrest and Imprisonment in Russia
The Arrest (August 2021)
On August 15, 2021, Fogel was detained by Russian authorities at Sheremetyevo Airport in Moscow while returning to Russia for the school year. During a routine customs check, officials found 17 grams (0.6 ounces) of medical marijuana in his luggage. The cannabis had been legally prescribed in the United States to treat chronic pain from past surgeries.
Despite his medical justification, Russian law strictly prohibits the possession of any narcotics, including marijuana, leading to his immediate arrest and detention.
Trial and Sentencing (June 2022)
Fogel was charged with drug trafficking, an offense that carries severe penalties in Russia. In June 2022, after a trial, he was convicted and sentenced to 14 years in a Russian penal colony.
Many legal experts and politicians criticized the severity of his punishment, arguing that:
- The quantity of marijuana was small.
- He had a valid medical prescription.
- His case was politically motivated amid rising tensions between the U.S. and Russia.
Transfer to Russian Penal Colony (October 2022)
After spending over a year in pre-trial detention, Fogel was transferred to a remote Russian penal colony, where conditions were described as harsh and inhumane.
During his imprisonment, Fogel’s family and U.S. officials campaigned for his release, but his case received less media attention than that of Brittney Griner, the WNBA player also jailed in Russia for drug possession but released in a prisoner exchange in December 2022.
Public Outcry and Diplomatic Efforts
U.S. Government and Public Reaction
- Fogel’s family and supporters launched a Change.org petition demanding his release, which received over 22,000 signatures.
- Senators and lawmakers, including Bob Casey, pressured the Biden administration to designate Fogel as wrongfully detained.
- Despite the pressure, the State Department did not classify him as wrongfully detained until August 1, 2024.
Failed Prisoner Exchange (2024)
In August 2024, the U.S. conducted a high-profile prisoner exchange with Russia, but Fogel was not included, leading to outrage from his family.
His relatives stated:
“Marc has been unjustly detained for far too long and must be prioritized in any swap negotiations with Russia, regardless of his level of notoriety or celebrity.”
Release from Russian Prison (February 11, 2025)
The Negotiation and Exchange
On February 11, 2025, after 3.5 years in detention, Fogel was released by Russia as part of a diplomatic exchange deal negotiated by:
- President Donald Trump
- Special Envoy Steve Witkoff
- National Security Advisor Mike Waltz
The exact details of the exchange remain classified, but Trump described it as a “fair deal”, adding that Russia cooperated in good faith.
White House Reception
Upon arrival in the U.S., Fogel was greeted by Trump at the White House, wrapped in an American flag. Speaking at the Diplomatic Reception Room, Fogel said:
“I feel like the luckiest man on Earth right now. I’m a middle-class school teacher who’s now in a dream world.”
Trump hinted that another prisoner would be released the following day.
Marc Fogel’s Net Worth and Financial Status
While Marc Fogel’s net worth is not publicly disclosed, he primarily earned money through his teaching career.
| Financial Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Net Worth (2025) | Estimated $200,000 – $500,000 |
| Primary Income Sources | Teaching at International Schools |
| Other Ventures | Public Speaking (Post-Prison) |
Since Fogel spent several years teaching in prestigious schools, he likely earned a comfortable salary but did not accumulate significant wealth.
Lesser-Known Facts About Marc Fogel
- He taught at elite international schools worldwide, including in Russia, Malaysia, and Mexico.
- His students included children of U.S. diplomats and expatriates.
- He was sentenced to a harsher punishment than Brittney Griner, despite similar charges.
- His family fought for over 3 years to have him classified as “wrongfully detained.”
- He was initially left out of a major prisoner exchange in 2024, leading to controversy.
- Trump personally negotiated his release in 2025.
- His first words after release were ‘I feel like the luckiest man on Earth’.
- He returned to the U.S. on a private diplomatic flight.
- He was included in secret negotiations between Russia and the U.S. for months before his release.
- He was detained in a Russian penal colony under harsh conditions.
FAQs About Marc Fogel
Q: What was Marc Fogel arrested for?
A: He was arrested in Russia for possessing 17 grams of medical marijuana, legally prescribed in the U.S.
Q: How long was Marc Fogel in prison?
A: He served 3.5 years out of a 14-year sentence before being released.
Q: How did Marc Fogel get released?
A: He was freed as part of a diplomatic exchange deal negotiated by Trump’s administration.
Q: Did Marc Fogel meet Trump after his release?
A: Yes, Trump personally welcomed him at the White House.
Conclusion
Marc Fogel’s arrest, imprisonment, and release highlight the dangers of traveling with prescription drugs in foreign countries with strict drug laws. After 3.5 years of captivity in Russia, he is now home in the U.S., thanks to high-stakes diplomacy. His story remains a lesson in international justice, political negotiations, and resilience.
