West Virginia couple sentenced to decades for forcing black-raised children into “slave-like” labor

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A West Virginia couple was sentenced to decades of imprisonment for abuse and enslavement of black adopted children, forcing them to work hard and endure inhuman conditions. Donald Lantz, 62, was sentenced to 160 years after being forced to work, trafficking, child abuse and neglect. His wife, Jeanne Kay Whitefeather, 63, was 215 years after being found guilty of the same charges and civil rights violations of the child. “You brought these kids to West Virginia, and I know this place is almost “heaven” and you put them in hell,” Judge Maryclaire Akers said in the judgment. “The court will now put you in your state.” The couple adopted five black children in 2018 and later moved to Cannavaha County in 2023. Their crime was exposed in October 2023 when a neighbor called Child Protection Services reported two teenagers were locked in a shed at the Sissenville couple’s home. Authorities found the child without water, forced to sleep on the floor, dressed in dirty clothes, and suffered from untreated sores. According to the prosecutor's identity, the children were forced to perform farm labor, refused to enter the house, and were punished cruelly. The oldest daughter testified that they were often cursed and stood with their hands for hours. The case led to 16 charges, including human trafficking and civil rights violations. According to his lawyer, prosecutors stressed that the couple targeted the children in particular. Rentz insists on his innocence. Whitefeather's lawyers have not commented yet.

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