The trial of Jeanne Kay Whitefeather and Donald Ray Lantz, a White couple from West Virginia, has begun, with the pair facing more than a dozen charges related to the forced labor and civil rights violations of the Black children they adopted.
Allegations have emerged that the couple coerced their adopted children into performing labor under abusive conditions, without compensation, while subjecting them to neglect and exploitation.
The charges brought against Whitefeather and Lantz include:
- Forced Labor: The couple allegedly forced their adopted children to perform household chores and other tasks without pay or proper care.
- Civil Rights Violations: The charges involve mistreatment that violated the children’s civil rights.
- Child Endangerment: The couple is accused of subjecting the children to harmful living conditions and neglecting their basic needs.
- Exploitation: Claims that the couple exploited the children’s labor for personal gain, including using their services inappropriately.
The investigation into the couple’s actions began after multiple reports indicated that the children had been subjected to mistreatment.
Witness testimonies, school reports, and anonymous tips led authorities to believe that the children’s living conditions were appalling and unsafe, prompting a formal investigation by law enforcement and child protective services.
Deputy HK Burdette’s Disturbing Testimony
One of the key witnesses in the case is Deputy HK Burdette, who responded to a call on October 2, 2024, and testified about the harrowing conditions she discovered upon investigating the home.
In her testimony, Burdette recalled opening a door to a shed that was unbearably hot, filled with a pungent odor so strong that it caused her eyes to water.
Burdette described the shed as having “a table and one chair, no running water, no circulating air, and no beds.” She went on to explain that the children were living in an environment so bleak it resembled a prison or a makeshift shelter.
The deputy stated that the children’s toilet resembled a “hospital pan or a camping toilet,” and she found several deep freezers of food in a section of the barn that could not be accessed. She also noted a third child visible through a window, appearing to be in danger due to the conditions.
Burdette’s testimony painted a disturbing picture of neglect, saying that the house where the children were kept was “very hot, very empty,” with little furniture. She was particularly struck by the lack of circulating air, which further exacerbated the unbearable living conditions.
Legal Consequences and Penalties for Whitefeather and Lantz
If Jeanne Kay Whitefeather and Donald Ray Lantz are convicted on all charges, they could face significant legal consequences, including:
- Prison Sentences: Both could be sentenced to years in prison, particularly if the court determines the charges are severe and takes into account any prior criminal history.
- Fines: The couple may be required to pay substantial fines as part of their punishment, depending on the final verdict.
- Restitution: If convicted, Whitefeather and Lantz could be ordered to pay restitution to the children for their forced labor, physical and emotional suffering, or damages resulting from the abuse.
- Civil Liability: Beyond criminal charges, the couple could face civil lawsuits filed by the victims or advocacy groups, seeking compensation for the harm done.
- Loss of Parental Rights: The couple may lose any remaining custody or guardianship rights if they are found guilty.
- Criminal Record: A conviction would result in a permanent criminal record, affecting their future employment opportunities and quality of life.
The case has drawn national attention, as it highlights the potential abuse of the adoption process and the urgent need for better oversight in the treatment of adopted children.
The trial is expected to uncover more details about the couple’s actions and the mistreatment of the children, with the fate of Whitefeather and Lantz now in the hands of the court.
