A West Virginia court has handed down a historic ruling against a couple accused of subjecting their five adopted Black children to horrific abuse and forced labor. J. Whitefeather, 63, and her husband, D. Lantz, 61, received lengthy prison sentences after being convicted of multiple charges related to child abuse, neglect, and enslavement.
Judge M. Akers imposed the maximum sentences allowed by law, emphasizing the severity of their actions. Whitefeather, who was convicted on all 19 counts against her, was sentenced to up to 215 years in prison, with the possibility of parole after 40 years. Lantz, found guilty on 12 of 16 counts, received a 160-year sentence, with parole eligibility after 30 years. The court also ordered them to pay $280,000 in restitution, reinforcing the effort to provide justice and support for the victims.
Shocking Discovery Unveiled Abuse
Authorities were alerted to the disturbing situation in October 2023 after a 911 call reported children being held in a shed on the couple’s property. When officers arrived, they forced the shed open and found two children living in deplorable conditions without access to food, water, or sanitation. Inside the home, another child, a 9-year-old girl, was discovered alone and crying, surrounded by unsanitary living conditions.
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Investigators uncovered that the children were regularly locked inside the shed for up to 12 hours at a time, with no access to basic necessities. The children described their suffering, revealing they were forced to endure harsh conditions, sleep without proper bedding, and perform exhausting physical labor, such as carrying heavy propane tanks and hauling buckets of water. Neighbors, who had seen the children struggling under the weight of these tasks, reported their concerns to authorities.
Exploiting the System for Abuse
The investigation revealed that Whitefeather and Lantz had specifically sought out Black children from a shelter, presenting themselves as caring adoptive parents. Instead of providing a safe home, they subjected the children to brutal treatment and servitude, stripping them of their rights and dignity.
During the sentencing, Judge Akers delivered a scathing rebuke of their actions. “You turned a place that should have been a sanctuary into a nightmare,” she stated. “You brought these children here under false pretenses and condemned them to suffering. Now, this court ensures you face the consequences.”
One of the older children confronted Whitefeather in court, calling her a “monster” and expressing deep anger over the years of torment.
The Path to Healing
The case has ignited discussions on the flaws within the child welfare system, particularly regarding oversight in foster care and adoption placements. Many are now calling for stronger measures to prevent similar cases of abuse, especially those involving racial targeting.
As Whitefeather and Lantz begin their sentences, the affected children have been placed under the care of social services. Their recovery journey will be long, but community members and advocates are stepping in to offer support, determined to help them rebuild their lives after enduring unimaginable trauma.
This case stands as a grim reminder of the dangers vulnerable children face and the ongoing need for vigilance in protecting their well-being .