Adopted African-American kids forced into servitude; White West Virginia pair apprehended for suspected slavery
In a shocking turn of events, a wealthy white couple from West Virginia, Donald Ray Lantz (63) and Jeanne Kay Whitefeather (62), are facing serious allegations of human trafficking, forced labor, child abuse, and neglect involving their five Black adopted children.
The case came to light after a wellness check in October revealed the deplorable living conditions of the children on the couple's Sissonville property. During the check, two teenagers were found locked in a decrepit shed. They were in dirty clothing, living in conditions devoid of basic necessities like lights or running water. The teens reported being locked in the shed for 12 hours and given minimal food. They were forced to sleep on a concrete floor without mattresses, and the boy had open sores on his bare feet. Inside the main residence, a 9-year-old girl was found by police. The couple later arrived separately with an 11-year-old boy and a 6-year-old girl who had been with acquaintances.
The couple had managed to pay a $400,000 bond for their release from jail in February. However, Judge Akers raised the couple's bond after prosecutors argued their original bonds were likely obtained through trafficking profits. The couple's brother posted two $200,000 bonds to secure their release three days later.
Kanawha County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Christopher Krivonyak argued that the money should be transferred from state custody to a trust fund for the children. The indictment alleges that the couple selected the children because of their race and forced them to work on their farmland.
Lantz and Whitefeather have pleaded not guilty to over a dozen charges, including human trafficking of a minor, use of a minor in forced labor, and child neglect creating a substantial risk of serious bodily injury or death. Judge Maryclaire Akers, who is presiding over the case, stated that the indictment describes one of the worst cases she's ever encountered.
As of now, the couple's trial has been scheduled for 9 September 2024. The couple sold an 80-acre ranch in Tonasket, Washington, for $725,000 on 2 February, and their Sissonville home for $295,000 on 28 March. Despite arguments that the bond money might have come from legitimate sources, prosecutors maintained that its intended use was linked to human trafficking and forced labor.
This case is part of a broader discussion on child trafficking and abuse within adoptive families, highlighting significant violations of children's rights and safety in West Virginia during 2024. In January 2024, Donald Lantz received a 160-year prison sentence for these crimes.
[1] Article on child trafficking and abuse within adoptive families in West Virginia. [2] Article on Donald Lantz's 160-year prison sentence. [3] Article on the severe abuse and forced labor charges leading to the couple's conviction. [4] Article on the case and the couple's sentencing.
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