Primghar, IA — A Primghar man is facing multiple charges after allegedly providing prescription medications to two children who had not been prescribed the drugs.
According to the O’Brien County Sheriff’s Office, 29-year-old Jonathan William Barnes was arrested July 13 on multiple O’Brien County warrants following an investigation into the allegations.
Authorities allege that between August 1 and September 9, 2025, Barnes gave his 5-year-old child methylphenidate and clonidine, and his 9-year-old child doxepin, a medication prescribed to an adult.
Court documents state neither child had been prescribed the medications, and investigators say urine samples detected the drugs in the children’s systems. Records further allege Barnes understood the potential risks associated with administering prescription medications that had not been prescribed to the children.
Methylphenidate is commonly used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, and narcolepsy. Clonidine is prescribed for several conditions, including high blood pressure and ADHD, while doxepin is commonly used to treat depression, anxiety, and insomnia.
Barnes is charged with distribution of a controlled substance to a person under 18, a Class B felony; two counts of prescription drug violation involving a minor, both Class C felonies; and two counts of child endangerment, both aggravated misdemeanors.
According to O’Brien County District Court records, the criminal case was filed July 9 and remains pending.
