Hubbard Is Free, but These Americans Remain Imprisoned in Russia—Here’s What We Know
Drug Convictions and Prison Terms
Travis Michael Leake, an American musician who led Moscow-based band Lovi Noch, was arrested in 2023 on charges of organizing drug sales. After conviction on drug-related offenses, he received a 13-year sentence in 2024. In a prison-recorded message advocating for his release, Leake said, “I’m sorry I’m not a journalist. I’m sorry I’m not a basketball player.”
Robert Woodland returned to Russia after growing up with a U.S. foster family, hoping to find his birth mother. He told a Russian newspaper in 2020 that he moved after connecting with her through a Russian TV show. He partially pleaded guilty to drug trafficking charges in 2024 and received 12½ years; the term was reduced to 9½ years in 2025. His attorney, Stanislav Kshevitskii, told CBS News in October 2026 there had been no case updates.
Custody Disputes and Family Separation
David Barnes and his Russian ex-wife fought over custody of their two sons in Texas. She accused him of sexually abusing the boys, but law enforcement found insufficient evidence to bring charges. Texas judges repeatedly ruled from 2014 through 2018 that Barnes should remain a joint custody guardian. After losing a bid for sole custody, his ex-wife took the boys to Russia in 2019.
In a prison letter to his sons, Barnes maintained his innocence and wrote, “You know I am innocent as well.” Schneider traveled to Russia to reunite with his 4-year-old son, who is a Russian citizen. He was arrested in July 2023 while trying to cross into Poland with the boy and later sentenced to six years for kidnapping; prosecutors said the child’s mother had not consented to the departure.
Antonov’s Detention Status
Aleksandr Antonov, a naturalized U.S. citizen, traveled to Ukraine and Russia on business. During a passport check in Russia in March 2025, border officers noticed his U.S. passport and claimed his phone contained Telegram messages with anti-Russian sentiment. He was detained and later sentenced to six years for inciting terrorism and extremism.
Key points
- Travis Michael Leake received a 13-year sentence for drug-related offenses.
- Aleksandr Antonov was sentenced to six years, and the State Department is considering his detention status.
- Several cases involve disputed allegations or supporters’ claims that are difficult to verify.