LANSING, Mich. — Paul Whelan is now under investigation for espionage in Russia.
Whelan is an American citizen who served his country as a United States marine and he also spent time in metro Detroit communities as a police officer.
Whelan's family says he flew to Russia for a wedding on December 22, but he was arrested in Moscow on December 28 before arriving at the event and while on a spy mission, according to Russia authorities.
So far, Whelan's family has not received any update on what will happen next, but say they'll do whatever they have to do to bring him home.
David Whelan, the brother of the detained American said, "I think as important it is to hit the congressional representatives and whoever else we can in the American government to try to help get Paul out of the situation, regardless of whatever legal jeopardy he is in."
Whelan was discharged from the marines for bad conduct and was court marshaled on several charges related to larceny.
The Russian government has not publicly released details of the allegations against him.
The state department has requested access to him and it says it expects Russian authorities to provide it.
If convicted Russian authorities say Whelan could face up to 20 years in prison.
