Dad from The Woodlands remains in Russia prison 3 years after arrest for child abuse allegations

David Barnes, a 67-year-old from The Woodlands, has faced imprisonment in Russia for three years due to unverified child abuse allegations. His Russian ex-wife allegedly removed their sons from the U. S. in 2019, leading Barnes to seek custody rights, which resulted in his arrest. Texas authorities investigated the abuse claims and found insufficient evidence to support them.

As Barnes appeals his conviction, his family continues to seek U. S. government designation of his detention as wrongful. They lament the lack of communication from officials, receiving only two updates over three years. Family members express grave concerns for Barnes' deteriorating health, fearing he may not survive another year in prison.

They hope the incoming Trump administration will respond more proactively to their plight. This case highlights the complexities of international custody disputes and the challenges faced by families in similar situations.