Serious accusations against Jeanne K. Whitefeather, 62, and Donald Lantz, 63, are pending in West Virginia about their alleged labor-using of five adopted Black children. Following a wellness check that revealed two of the couple’s five adopted children were living in appalling conditions and were imprisoned in a shed on the Sissonville, West Virginia property, they were initially taken into custody in October 2023. According to the accusation, the couple deliberately targeted the adopted children, who were black, and made them work because of their color, so violating their human rights. On September 9, the couple’s trial is set to begin.
Whitefeather. Autographed Letter, Signed. Handwritten, Baronial #1 Bar (3.625 × 5.125 envelope). Charleston, WV. July 12, 2024. Content unknown. SEALED.
Jeanne Kay Whitefeather and her partner, Donald Ray Lantz, are involved in a disturbing legal case in West Virginia related to child abuse and exploitation. The couple was accused of adopting black children, ages 6 to 16, from a shelter for homeless and vulnerable youths, allegedly targeting them for forced labor due to their race. Shockingly, they allegedly targeted these children specifically for forced labor due to their race. The 16-count indictment against them includes charges such as human trafficking of a minor child, use of a minor child in forced labor, and child neglect creating a substantial risk of serious bodily injury or death.
Donald Ray Lantz, 63, and Jeanne Kay Whitefeather, 62, are currently in jail following an arraignment on additional charges in West Virginia. These charges include human trafficking of a minor child, use of a minor child in forced labor, and child neglect, which create substantial risk of serious bodily injury or death. Their bond has been raised to $500,000 each, as the previous bond of $200,000 was deemed insufficient by Kanawha County Circuit Judge Maryclaire Akers. The couple was first arrested in October after two of their adopted children were discovered living in deplorable conditions, locked in a shed on their property. The indictment alleges that the adopted children, who were black, were specifically targeted by the couple and forced to work because of their race.
Donald Ray Lantz and Jeanne Kay Whitefeather face a 17-count indictment in West Virginia, including charges related to civil rights violations, human trafficking, and forced labor. The indictment alleges that the couple used their five adopted black children “basically as slaves.” The children were reportedly targeted because of their race and subjected to deplorable conditions. When authorities responded to a call at the couple’s home, they discovered two children locked inside a barn without access to running water, bathroom facilities, or adequate care, highlighting the dire situation. Another small child was discovered locked in an unprotected loft. Despite evidence and eyewitness accounts, the couple has pleaded not guilty to the charges, and their trial is scheduled for September 9.
When Kanawha County sheriff’s deputies responded to a call at Jeanne Whitefeather’s and Donald Lantz’s home in West Virginia, they discovered disturbing evidence related to the alleged mistreatment of their adopted children. Here are the details:
Locked Inside a Barn:
Deputies found two children locked inside a barn on the couple’s property.
The 14-year-old boy and 16-year-old girl were confined in a 20×14 foot room.
The children had no means to exit the barn on their own, lacked running water and bathroom facilities, and were deprived of adequate hygienic care and food.
The conditions were deplorable and raised serious concerns about their well-being.
Unprotected Loft:
At the couple’s main residence, deputies discovered another small child locked inside an unprotected loft.
The loft was 15 feet high, and the child was left alone in these conditions.
During the arraignment hearing, Jeanne Whitefeather’s attorney referred to the barn as a “teenage clubhouse” and claimed it was a misunderstanding. However, the evidence paints a disturbing picture of neglect and mistreatment.
Prior to their arrests in October 2023, Jeanne Whitefeather and Donald Lantz had no prior criminal records in West Virginia. However, there were two complaints filed against them—one in May 2023 and another in September 2023. These complaints were made after authorities discovered the couple’s alleged mistreatment of their adopted black children, who were forced to work and subjected to deplorable conditions. Despite the complaints, no criminal charges were filed until their arrest later that year.
In court, the evidence against Jeanne Kay Whitefeather and Donald Ray Lantz included:
Eyewitness Testimony:
Witnesses, including law enforcement officers and social workers, testified about the conditions they found at the couple's property.
Their accounts provided crucial details about the children being locked in a barn and an unprotected loft.
Physical Evidence:
Authorities collected physical evidence from the property, such as photographs of the barn and loft where the children were allegedly confined.
These images helped establish the deplorable conditions and lack of basic necessities.
Medical Reports:
Medical professionals evaluated the children’s health and well-being.
Reports highlighted issues related to hygiene, nutrition, and overall neglect.
Child Interviews:
Interviews with the adopted children revealed their experiences and the alleged mistreatment.
Their statements were essential in building the case against the couple.
Legal Documents:
The indictment itself, outlining the charges, was presented as evidence.
It detailed the alleged crimes committed by Jeanne Whitefeather and Donald Lantz.
The case against the couple was strengthened by a combination of eyewitness accounts, physical evidence, medical reports, child interviews, and legal documentation, collectively forming a compelling body of evidence. Authorities responded to the complaints against Jeanne Kay Whitefeather and Donald Ray Lantz by initiating investigations to address the concerns raised. However, despite the concerns raised, no criminal charges were filed until their arrest in October 2023.
VIDEO: White couple accused of treating Black adopted children like slaves | https://youtu.be/zxTf859TU8I
VIDEO: 911 call obtained in Sissonville child neglect case | https://youtu.be/Gp9uggCO-nI
VIDEO: Woman charged in Sissonville child neglect case appears in court | https://youtu.be/zjtou3OM7Lk
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