A Texas father, David Barnes, has been sentenced to 21 years in a Russian penal colony for child abuse, despite minimal evidence and previous U.S. investigations that found no basis for charges.
The allegations stem from his ex-wife, Russian Svetlana Koptyaeva, who took their children to Russia during a custody dispute.
“Frankly, I’m horrified,” Barnes’ defense attorney, Gleb Glinka said. “There was almost no evidence that the court could base that verdict on.”
U.S. authorities have not found her abuse claims credible, and she faces charges in the U.S. for interference with child custody.
“I do know that everyone that heard and investigated the child sexual abuse allegations raised by Mrs. Barnes during the child custody proceedings did not find them to be credible,” Kelly Blackburn said.
“Mrs. Barnes’ interference with child custody case is still pending, and the warrant for her is still active,” she said.
“I didn’t steal anyone,” Koptyaeva said. “I was just protecting my kids.”
Barnes, detained in Russia since 2022, sought visitation rights but faced renewed abuse allegations upon arrival.
This case adds to a list of U.S. citizens detained in Russia, though the Biden administration has not labeled Barnes as “wrongfully detained” like others.
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