'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.