In a case that has drawn national attention, a West Virginia couple has been sentenced to lengthy prison terms for the severe abuse and neglect of their five adopted children. On March 19, 2025, Kanawha County Circuit Judge Maryclaire Akers sentenced Jeanne Kay Whitefeather to up to 215 years in prison and her husband, Donald Lantz, to up to 160 years. Both were convicted on multiple counts, including forced labor, human trafficking, and child abuse. Whitefeather was also found guilty of civil rights violations based on race.

The couple, who are white, adopted five Black siblings while residing in Minnesota. They moved to a farm in Washington state in 2018 and relocated to Sissonville, West Virginia, in May 2023. The children, aged 5 to 16 at the time, were subjected to severe mistreatment. Neighbors reported seeing Lantz lock the oldest girl and her teenage brother in a shed and leave the property. Upon intervention, authorities found the children living in deplorable conditions, including confinement, forced labor, and physical and emotional abuse.

During the trial, the eldest daughter testified that the children were forced to perform strenuous chores, such as heavy lifting and digging with their hands. They were often denied adequate food and hygiene, made to sleep on concrete floors, and subjected to racial slurs and derogatory language. Some children were forced to stand in their rooms for hours with their hands on their heads. The couple also collected substantial child assistance funds while neglecting the children's welfare.

In January 2025, a Kanawha County jury found Whitefeather guilty on all 19 counts against her, including civil rights violations based on race. Lantz was convicted on 12 out of 16 counts. During sentencing, Judge Akers condemned their actions, stating, "You brought these children to West Virginia..."

The defense argued that the couple was overwhelmed by the children's pre-existing mental health issues and that their actions were misguided attempts at discipline. They claimed that the state failed to provide adequate support. However, the prosecution presented evidence that the couple's treatment exacerbated the children's conditions and that they failed to seek available help.

This case underscores severe violations within the child welfare system and raises critical questions about the oversight and support provided to adoptive families. The racial abuse component highlights the need for cultural competency and anti-racism training for adoptive parents. Additionally, the financial exploitation aspect points to potential gaps in monitoring and accountability within assistance programs.

The conviction and sentencing of Whitefeather and Lantz serve as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities within the adoption and child welfare systems. It underscores the necessity for rigorous oversight, comprehensive support for adoptive families, and a commitment to protecting the rights and well-being of all children, regardless of their background.