American citizen is under arrest in Moscow for 10 days for 'petty hooliganism' amid claims he 'got drunk, climbed through a window of children's library and fell asleep'

An American citizen has reportedly been arrested in Moscow over claims he got drunk, climbed through the window of a children's library and fell asleep. 

The man, named locally as William Russell Nycum, has been placed under administrative arrest for 10 days after the incident at a Moscow children's library on May 3, and was charged with 'petty hooliganism'. A separate criminal case of vandalism is also being pursued. 

According to local media, Nycum was in Russia for a vacation, and was staying with some teachers he knew. 

On May 2, he went to a bar and disappeared before his arrest the following day. 

He claimed to have been kidnapped after getting into a fight with his friends at a bar, but in reality had simply left in a taxi, a source told Ren TV, before he crashed through the library window. 

According to his visa, he was allowed to stay in Russia for up to six months, though it is not known when he entered the country, or how his administrative arrest will affect this. 

The man, named locally as William Russell Nycum, has been placed under administrative arrest for 10 days after the incident at a Moscow children's library

William Russell Nycum is being held for 10 days in Moscow (File Image)

According to his visa, he was allowed to stay in Russia for up to six months, though it is not known when he entered the country, or how his administrative arrest will affect this

While his 'petty hooliganism' charge resulted in a 10 day stint behind bars, his vandalism charge may end up with even more time in prison. 

According to Russia's Criminal Code, the crime can result in a fine of up to 40 thousand Roubles (£350), up to 360 hours of 'compulsory work', up to a year of 'corrective labour', or a three month sentence in prison. 

Administrative charges are generally broader than criminal charges, though carry less severe penalties. 

Administrative charges can be as minor as violating fishing rules, but can be as severe as the 'promotion of non-traditional sexual relationships and (or) preferences.'

News of Nycum's arrest comes after an American soldier was detained in Russia over the weekend, according to US officials.

Staff sergeant Gordon D. Black was taken into custody on May 2 in Vladivostock, near the border with China and North Korea.

He was stationed in South Korea and traveled to Russia on his own, as reported by CBS News on Monday.

It's not clear how Black traveled to Russia but it was not on official business for the army.

Black was apparently in the process of changing stations from Korea to Fort Hood in Texas.

The soldier is reportedly accused of stealing from a woman.