'May God have mercy on your souls, because this court will not,” Circuit Court Judge MaryClaire Akers said as she sentenced Jeanne Kay Whitefeather, 63, to 215 years in prison and her husband, Donald Lantz, 64, to 160 years.

Summary

A West Virginia couple, Jeanne Kay Whitefeather and Donald Lantz, received prison sentences of 215 and 160 years, respectively, for forcing their five adopted Black children into slave labor.

Authorities discovered the abuse after a welfare check revealed children locked in a shed without water or sanitation.

The couple, charged with human trafficking, child neglect, and forced labor, targeted the children because of their race.

The court ordered them to pay $280,000 in restitution each.

  • Mog_fanatic@lemmy.world
    95·
    15 days ago

    “You brought these kids to West Virginia, a place as I know as almost heaven and put them in hell. The court will now put you in yours. May God have mercy on your souls, because this court will not."

    Circuit Court Judge MaryClaire Akers

    That’s kinda fire actually

    • Mirshe@lemmy.world
      54·
      15 days ago

      Reminder that West Virginia exists exclusively because of slavery. Especially that part of Appalachia was a HUGE haven for self emancipated people and free black people alike, because if you get deep enough into the mountains, you basically cease to exist as a legal entity unless people want to put a significant amount of effort into reaching you and the same amount in extricating you.