US Sen. Cornyn calls for release of Texas father detained in Russia
TEXAS (KXAN)– On Monday, U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, called for the release of Texan David Barnes, who was wrongfully detained in Russia for more than four years, according to a press release.
The call comes after recently-freed Russian prisoner Ksenia Karelina’s letter to President Donald Trump, urging the safe return of Barnes and two other Americans who were being held by Russia.
“David Barnes, a Texas father of two sons, has been detained in Russia for far too long under charges already proven to be false…” said Sen. Cornyn. “I urge President Trump and Secretary Rubio to prioritize efforts to bring David and all wrongfully-detained Americans throughout the world home.
The release stated, in 2015 Barnes was accused by his ex-wife of sexually abusing his two sons in Texas, one of whom has Russian nationality. Details further said the actuation was found not credible and no charges were filed against Barnes in the United States.
During an ongoing child custody battle in 2019, his ex-wife fled to Russia with the children and a Texas court designated Barnes as the primary guardian of his sons, said the release. According to the release, Barnes’ ex-wife was indicted for interference with child custody and a warrant was issued for her arrest in Texas.
The release further detailed when Barnes traveled to Russia to rekindle with his son’s in 2022, he was arrested by Russian police who were informed by his ex-wife of the child sexual abuse accusations in Texas. He was sentenced to 21 years in prison by a Russian judge in 2024.
