A couple from West Virginia, Donald Ray Lantz and Jeanne Kay Whitefeather, have been arrested and accused of human trafficking their five adopted black children.
These children, aged 6-16, were allegedly forced to work as ‘slaves’ on the couple’s farmland due to their race. The kids were found living in appalling conditions, with some locked in a dirty shed and others in a loft without basic necessities. The indictment claims that the children were treated as slaves and were not allowed to enter the main house.
Donald and Jeanne, described as ‘wealthy,’ have pleaded not guilty to charges including human trafficking, forced labor involving minors, and child neglect, according to WCHSTV.
The investigation was initiated after a concerned neighbor reported the children’s well-being.
Two children found locked in a filthy shed
When the authorities arrived, they discovered a 14-year-old boy and a 16-year-old girl locked in a shed on the couple’s property. The shed had no basic amenities like lights, running water, or even mattresses, with only an RV porta-potty for use. The teens revealed to the police that they were forced to sleep on the hard concrete floor and had not eaten for 12 hours.
The 14-year-old boy had sores on his bare feet, and both teens were dressed in filthy clothes emitting a strong body odor. Additionally, a 9-year-old girl was found inside the residence, while an 11-year-old boy and a 6-year-old girl were later brought to the property by the couple.
Kanawha County Circuit Judge Maryclaire Akers expressed shock at the severity of the charges, labeling them as some of the most appalling she had ever encountered. The accusations included human trafficking and racial discrimination, with the children allegedly being exploited as modern-day slaves.
Judge Akers raised the couple’s bond from $200,000 to $500,000 each, emphasizing the grave nature of the human trafficking and child neglect allegations. She deemed the initial bond insufficient, given the potential risk of physical harm or even death.
The case is set for trial on September 9th.
4 thoughts on “West Virginia couple arrested for allegedly forcing their five adopted black children to work as ‘slaves on their farmland”
WEST VIRGINIA!!! HOME OF “THE WRONG TURN!” These two are below the worst! All I know is when they get behind those prison walls! I pray they get EVERYRHING good that’s coming to them!! Lol
Yeah l agree, CPS and etc officials need to be stopped taking children out of luving homes with their families to such horrific situations like this , even though the report says the couple obtained them illegally
The exact same thing should be did to them. Old nasty heathens. How long have they had those kids and why hadn’t somebody been keeping a check on those kids??
West Virginia..Say less..They need to be castrated