Tragic Unveiling: Foster Care Scandal in West Virginia

A West Virginia couple, Jeanne Kay Whitefeather and Donald Lantz, were found guilty of severe mistreatment and abuse of their adopted children, leading to sentencing on charges of forced labor, human trafficking, and child abuse. The case revealed disturbing details about the children's living conditions and treatment.


Devdiscourse News Desk | Charleston | Updated: 19-03-2025 13:40 IST | Created: 19-03-2025 13:40 IST
Tragic Unveiling: Foster Care Scandal in West Virginia
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In a shocking case that has drawn national attention, a couple from West Virginia is set to be sentenced for their heinous treatment of five adopted children. Jeanne Kay Whitefeather and her husband, Donald Lantz, were convicted of several charges, including forced labor, human trafficking, and child abuse.

The couple's actions came to light after observant neighbors reported seeing children being locked in a shed and living under deplorable conditions. Testimonies during the trial revealed that the children were subjected to extensive neglect and mistreatment, including being locked indoors and forced to perform strenuous chores, often accompanied by racial abuse.

The defense argued that the couple was grappling with the children's past trauma, but the prosecution presented evidence of worsening conditions under their care. The case highlights significant failures in the child welfare system, sparking calls for more stringent oversight and intervention.

(With inputs from agencies.)

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