Town Greets Scholar Freed From Russian Jail

John Tobin snipped a yellow ribbon outside the town hall in Ridgefield, marking the Fulbright scholar’s return to his hometown after serving a Russian prison sentence on drug charges that he says were a sham.

Townspeople blanketed the square to greet Tobin, who says he was framed after rejecting a Russian bid to recruit him as a spy.

“I thought about you all while I was over there,” Tobin said. “I’m really proud of this town. . . . I don’t have the words to express how grateful I am for all of your love, prayers and support.”

Dozens of yellow ribbons have been tied to trees and lampposts to symbolize support for Tobin.