According to local News, Donald Ray Lantz, 63, and Jeanne Kay Whitefeather, 62, entered not guilty pleas to several charges on Tuesday at Kanawha County court. These charges included using a minor for forced labor, trafficking in human beings, and neglecting a child with a substantial risk of serious bodily harm or death.
Additionally, according to the news, they are accused of violating human rights by primarily focusing on black youngsters and making them labor because of their color.
Citing allegations made in the indictment, Kanawha County circuit judge Maryclaire Akers asserted that the youngsters were “used basically as slaves”.
The couple’s five adopted children, ages six, nine, 11, 14, and 16, were found to be living in deplorable conditions at a Sissonville residence following a wellness check, which resulted in the couple’s initial arrest in October 2023.
In an earlier court filing, Whitefeather claimed the 14- and 16-year-olds were discovered in a “teenage clubhouse” and refuted any claims to the contrary.
