CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A West Virginia couple convicted of severe mistreatment of their adopted children, including locking some of them in a shed, is set to be sentenced on Wednesday.
A jury found Jeanne Kay Whitefeather and her husband, Donald Lantz, guilty on January 29 of several charges, including forced labor, human trafficking, and child abuse and neglect. Whitefeather was also convicted of civil rights violations based on race.
Whitefeather faces a maximum sentence of 215 years in prison, while Lantz could receive up to 160 years following their sentencing in Kanawha County Circuit Court.
The couple adopted five Black siblings while living in Minnesota, later relocating to a farm in Washington state in 2018, and bringing the family to West Virginia in May 2023, when the children’s ages ranged from 5 to 16 years old.
Five months after their arrival in Sissonville, authorities arrested the couple after neighbors witnessed Lantz locking the oldest girl and her teenage brother in a shed and leaving. A deputy had to use a crowbar to rescue them.
During the investigation, a 9-year-old girl was found crying in a loft, unsupervised and exposed to falls. The children showed signs of neglect, discovered in dirty clothing with unpleasant odors, and one boy was barefoot with visible sores on his feet.
Another child was with Lantz when he returned, and law enforcement was able to locate a 5-year-old girl later on. All five children were placed into the care of Child Protective Services following the couple’s arrest.
Recently, the oldest daughter, now an adult, filed a lawsuit against the couple, alleging she suffered severe physical and emotional abuse and neglect that has had lasting effects.
During the trial, neighbors testified that they never saw the children playing and observed Lantz forcing them to stand in line and engage in strenuous labor around their property. Upon realizing they were being watched, the children reportedly remained indoors.
The eldest daughter indicated that much of the outdoor work took place in Washington, where they were sometimes compelled to dig with their bare hands. She claimed the children frequently faced verbal abuse, with Whitefeather employing racist language.
She further revealed that Whitefeather showed favoritism toward the youngest child, who was not implicated in any of the charges, expressing a desire for a life without the other children.
The children were reportedly given a limited diet of peanut butter sandwiches at designated times, some of which were leftovers. Some were required to stand in their rooms for hours with their hands on their heads. Additionally, the eldest girl and boy shared a space on the floor and used a single bucket for bathroom needs while one held up a sheet for privacy from security cameras.
The couple and their legal representatives disputed the allegations, claiming the chores were intended to instill responsibility in the children. Lantz contended they were overwhelmed and actively sought support for the children’s mental health issues stemming from their traumatic past.
A forensic psychologist testified that the couple’s treatment had exacerbated the children’s existing conditions. Assistant Prosecutor Madison Tuck highlighted that the couple failed to seek necessary help for the oldest boy, despite a behavioral health clinic being close to their home. This boy is currently receiving comprehensive care in a psychiatric facility.
Whitefeather’s defense attorney argued that the couple was merely guilty of poor parenting decisions, asserting their lifestyle was typical for farmers and not indicative of racially motivated actions or forced labor.
