SEOUL, South Korea (AP) - The family of a Boston man detained in North Korea is said to be “praying for his speedy return home.”

That word from a family spokeswoman follows the announcement today that North Korea will put Aijalon Mahli Gomes on trial for entering the communist country illegally.

The family says Gomes has been teaching English in South Korea for about two years, and it's unclear why he would have gone to North Korea.

The State Department says it's concerned about his health and welfare and wants to make sure Gomes is returned to the United States as soon as possible.

North Korea announced two months ago that an American had been detained after crossing into the country from China. It didn't identify him at the time.

Gomes is the fourth American detained on charges of entering North Korea illegally in the past year. The other three were eventually released.
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