White Couple Who Adopted Black Children and Forced Them to Work ‘as Slaves’ Learns Fate

A white couple in West Virginia has been sentenced to decades in prison for subjecting their Black adopted children to forced labor akin to “slavery”. Donald Lantz, 62, received a 160-year prison term for charges including forced labor, human trafficking, and child abuse and neglect. His wife, Jeanne Kay Whitefeather, 63, was handed a 215-year sentence, which also included violating the civil rights of their children. The couple, who adopted five children in 2018, moved to Kanawha County in May 2023.

The couple’s atrocities came to light in October 2023 when a concerned neighbour informed Child Protective Services that two teenagers were confined in a shed at the couple’s residence in Sissonville. The children were reportedly forced to undertake farm work and were not allowed inside the house. Deputies who responded to the call discovered two children locked in the shed without adequate facilities, sleeping on the floor, and enduring harsh conditions for hours at a stretch.

During sentencing, Eighth Judicial Circuit Court Judge Maryclaire Akers admonished the couple, stating, “You brought these children to West Virginia, a place that I know is ‘almost heaven,’ and you put them in hell.” The couple’s abusive treatment led to a 16-count indictment, encompassing charges of human trafficking, human rights violations, and the use of forced labor. The children, who were targeted based on their race, were allegedly treated as “slaves”, as detailed in the indictment.

The harrowing testimonies from the children painted a grim picture of their daily lives under the couple’s care. The children faced verbal abuse, physical punishments, and extreme neglect while being deprived of basic necessities. The children were found in dishevelled states, wearing dirty clothes, with signs of physical ailments, and enduring mental anguish. The eldest daughter recounted instances where the children were subjected to degrading treatment and held in demeaning positions for prolonged periods as a form of punishment.

The legal proceedings brought forward shocking revelations about the couple’s heinous actions, shedding light on the extent of their cruelty towards the vulnerable children in their care. The sentencing of Lantz and Whitefeather to lengthy prison terms serves as a form of justice for the young victims who endured unspeakable hardships under their guardianship. The case underscores the importance of safeguarding the welfare of all children and upholding their rights to live free from abuse and exploitation.

As the details of this disturbing case continue to unfold, it serves as a stark reminder of the crucial role society plays in protecting and advocating for vulnerable individuals, especially children. The legal system’s swift action in holding the perpetrators accountable for their abhorrent actions sends a resounding message that such egregious acts will not be tolerated. The resilience and bravery of the children in coming forward to seek justice against their abusers highlight the importance of providing support and empowerment to those affected by such traumatic experiences.

In conclusion, the sentencing of the white couple in West Virginia for subjecting their Black adopted children to forced labor and abuse stands as a testament to the unwavering commitment to justice and accountability in safeguarding the rights and well-being of all individuals, particularly the most vulnerable members of society. It serves as a reminder of the collective responsibility to protect and nurture the welfare of children and ensure that such atrocities are met with the full force of the law.