Texas Father’s Battle for His Sons Turns into 21-Year Prison Sentence in Russia

David Barnes, a father from The Woodlands, Texas, has been detained in Russia for over four years, sentenced to 21 years of hard labor based on unfounded allegations. His case has sparked calls for his immediate release from U.S. Senator John Cornyn and human rights advocates.

The situation began in 2015 when Barnes' ex-wife accused him of abusing their two sons. U.S. authorities investigated the claims, finding them to be false, and no charges were filed. In 2019, during an ongoing custody dispute, Barnes' ex-wife fled to Russia with the children, prompting a Texas court to grant Barnes full custody and issue an arrest warrant for his ex-wife on charges of interfering with child custody.

In 2022, Barnes traveled to Russia in a desperate attempt to reconnect with his children. Upon his arrival on January 13, he was arrested by Russian authorities, based on the same allegations that had already been dismissed by U.S. officials. Despite clear evidence of his innocence and the lack of jurisdiction, Russian courts proceeded with the case and sentenced Barnes to 21 years of hard labor earlier this year.

Senator Cornyn has been actively involved in seeking Barnes’ release, maintaining communication with the U.S. State Department and advocacy organizations. His efforts are supported by a growing international movement to bring attention to Barnes’ wrongful detention, alongside other Americans currently held in Russia.

Barnes’ situation remains dire as his family continues to fight for his freedom. As diplomatic pressures mount, the hope for his release grows, but for now, Barnes remains trapped in a foreign prison, far from home and his children.