Russian seeks help from Virgin Mary

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NEW YORK, Oct. 23 (UPI) -- A Russian man awaiting trial on money-laundering charges said he has hired a pilot to fly a banner along the New York skyline seeking help from the Virgin Mary.

Vadim Vasilenko, whose U.S. court date has not been set, has already sent up banners seeking help from both President Barack Obama and Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney, the Russian news agency RIA-Novosti reported Tuesday.

Vasilenko said he hired a light aircraft to fly a banner reading "Romney, help!" over Manhattan and Brighton Beach for an hour on Monday. He did the same last week for Obama.

He said he would take his appeal to the Virgin Mary next.

Vasilenko has been jailed since his arrest five years ago on charges of laundering $47 million.

He told RIA Novosti he is prepared to admit partial guilt in exchange for time served and deportation to Russia.