West Virginia Couple Convicted of Human Trafficking and Abuse of Adopted Children

A West Virginia jury has reached a significant verdict in a deeply unsettling case involving a couple accused of heinous acts against their adopted children. Jeanne Kay Whitefeather and Donald Ray Lantz have been found guilty on multiple charges, including forced labor and human trafficking, following deliberations in a trial that highlighted severe child neglect and abuse.

The trial revealed disturbing details of how the couple, both white, mistreated their Black adopted children. The allegations included restricting the children to a shed, depriving them of basic necessities, and violating their civil rights. The jury in Kanawha County Circuit Court found Whitefeather guilty on all 19 counts brought against her, while Lantz was convicted on 12 out of 16 counts. The courtroom atmosphere was tense as Kanawha County Prosecuting Attorney Debra Rusnak expressed the significance such cases hold for the community.

These cases mean a lot to us, Rusnak stated. This is our community, and these are the children of our community. If we’re not going to fight for them, who will?

Originating from Minnesota, the couple moved to a farm in Washington state before relocating to West Virginia in 2023, with the children, aged between 5 to 16. The abuse came to light when neighbors witnessed Lantz locking the eldest children in a shed. Authorities responding to the incident used a crowbar to free them. Inside the home, more evidence of neglect was found, including a nine-year-old in distress.

Reports described the children as being unkempt, with one boy found barefoot with sores. Following their arrest, the children were placed under the care of Child Protective Services. Testimonies from neighbors and the children themselves painted a grim picture of their daily life, filled with strenuous chores and punitive measures.

During the trial, the couple's eldest daughter, now 18, revealed that the harsh chores mainly occurred during their time in Washington. She described a diet largely consisting of peanut butter sandwiches and shared distressing details about the restrictions imposed on their privacy and freedom. The defense argued that their actions were meant to instill responsibility, but prosecution suggested the measures were more about control and inflicted trauma.

Evidence entered at trial included racially derogatory messages attributed to Whitefeather, who denied the claims, while the eldest daughter testified to frequent use of racist language in their household.

The defense argued the couple faced overwhelming stress in handling the children's past trauma and mental health, emphasizing failures by the state’s child welfare system. However, the prosecution countered by highlighting the absence of effort in seeking available mental health resources.

A forensic psychologist testified that the children's condition only worsened during their time with Whitefeather and Lantz. The eldest boy, who was involved in a physical confrontation with Whitefeather in 2022, is currently under full-time psychiatric care.

As the couple awaits sentencing, Whitefeather faces up to 215 years in prison, while Lantz may be sentenced to 75 years. The upcoming sentencing in March will mark a pivotal moment in this painful saga, seeking justice for the affected children and underscoring the community's commitment to protect its youngest members.