American couple kept adopted black children as “slaves” and locked them in a shed

Lina Portman2 weeks ago

3 2 minutes read

A wealthy white couple from West Virginia has been charged with human trafficking, forced labor and child neglect. The couple, Donald Ray Lantz (63) and Jeanne Kay Whitefeather (62), allegedly subjected their five adopted black children to forced labor and detention, WNews reported.

The children, aged 6 to 16, lived in deplorable conditions. Two teenagers were confined in a dirty shed without basic amenities, while another child was in a loft in the main house.

The indictment alleges the children were forced to work on the couple's farmland because of their race and treated as slaves. The couple also allegedly barred them from entering the main house, the outlet reported.

The couple faces multiple charges, including human trafficking, forced labor involving minors and child neglect, creating a significant risk of serious injury or death. They pleaded not guilty to the charges Tuesday, WCHSTV reported.

The investigation began after a neighbor raised concerns about the children's welfare.

Police found two teenagers, a 14-year-old boy and a 16-year-old girl, locked in a shed on the couple's property. The shed had no lights, running water or mattresses, only a camper porta potty. The teens told police they had been forced to sleep on the concrete floor and had last been fed 12 hours earlier.

The boy had open sores on his bare feet, and both children wore dirty clothes and smelled of body odor. A 9-year-old girl was found inside the residence, while an 11-year-old boy and a 6-year-old girl were brought to the scene later by the couple.

Kanawha County Circuit Judge Maryclaire Akers described the indictment as “one of the worst” she had ever seen, citing allegations of human trafficking and racial targeting. “He alleges human trafficking, human rights violations, the use of forced labor,” Judge Akers said. , according to the NY Post, “These children were targeted because of their race, and they were used essentially as slaves, according to what the indictment alleges. »

Judge Akers increased the couple's bond from $200,000 to $500,000 each, citing the seriousness of the human trafficking and child neglect charges. She said the initial bond was insufficient due to the risk of bodily injury or death. The case will be judged on September 9.