A bilingual site for families of English & Spanish households
In a harrowing case that has drawn national attention, Jeanne Kay Whitefeather, 63, and her husband, Donald Ray Lantz, 64, of Sissonville, West Virginia, have been sentenced to 215 and 160 years in prison, respectively, for subjecting their five adopted Black children to forced labor and severe abuse.
March 24, 2025
The couple adopted the siblings from Minnesota and relocated to Washington state in 2018 before settling in West Virginia in May 2023. Shortly after their move, neighbors reported suspicious activities, leading authorities to discover the children living in deplorable conditions.
Investigations revealed that Whitefeather and Lantz forced the children, aged 5 to 16, to perform arduous labor on their farm without compensation. The children were often confined to a shed lacking basic amenities, deprived of adequate food, and subjected to physical and emotional abuse. Reports indicate they were made to sleep on concrete floors and were denied access to proper sanitation facilities.
Legal Proceedings
In January 2025, a Kanawha County jury found the couple guilty on multiple counts, including forced labor, human trafficking, child abuse, and neglect. Whitefeather faced additional convictions for civil rights violations based on race.
During sentencing, Circuit Judge Maryclaire Akers condemned their actions, stating, "You brought these children
to West Virginia, a place that I know as 'Almost Heaven,' and you put them in hell. This court will now put you in
yours."
The victims have endured profound trauma, expressing difficulties in trusting others and experiencing recurring
nightmares. In victim impact statements, the eldest daughter addressed Whitefeather directly, calling her a
"monster" and questioning how she could sleep at night.
Defense and Sentencing
The defense argued that the couple was overwhelmed by the children's pre-existing mental health issues and past traumas. However, the court dismissed these claims, emphasizing the couple's responsibility for the children's worsening conditions.
Whitefeather and Lantz will be eligible for parole after serving 40 and 30 years, respectively. This case underscores the critical importance of vigilant oversight in adoption processes and the necessity of protecting vulnerable children from exploitation and abuse. The severe sentences reflect the gravity of the couple's actions and serve as a deterrent against similar offenses in the future.
