Several charges, including human trafficking, forced labor, and child maltreatment, have been brought against an affluent white couple in the state of West Virginia. According to WNews, the couple, Donald Ray Lantz, age 63, and Jeanne Kay Whitefeather, age 62, are accused of holding their five adopted black children captive and subjecting them to forced labor.
The youngsters, who ranged in age from six to sixteen, were discovered to be living in appalling circumstances. One youngster was in a loft in the main home, while two teenagers were confined to a filthy shed that lacked even the most basic of utilities.
Because of their color, the children were allegedly subjected to the same treatment as slaves and made to labor on the property owned by the couple. In addition, the pair reportedly prevented them from accessing the main residence, as reported by the publication.
As a result of the couple's various allegations, which include human trafficking, forced labor involving kids, and child maltreatment, there is a significant possibility that they may suffer serious injuries or perhaps die. Tuesday was the day when they entered a plea of not guilty to the allegations, according to WCHSTV.
After receiving a complaint from a neighbor who expressed worry about the health and safety of children, the inquiry was initiated.
When the police arrived, they discovered two adolescents, a boy aged 14 and a girl aged 16, confined inside a shed that was located on the property of the couple. Only a portable toilet for RVs was present in the shed; there were no lights, running water, or beds. The adolescents said to the authorities that they had been compelled to sleep on the concrete floor and that they had seen their last meal twelve hours earlier.
The little kid was barefoot and had open wounds on his feet. Both of the youngsters were dressed in unclean clothing and had a strong odor of body odor. The couple brought a boy who was 11 years old and a daughter who was 6 years old to the property later on. The girl who was 9 years old was discovered inside the home.
Circuit Judge Maryclaire Akers of Kanawha County referred to the indictment as "one of the worst" she has ever seen, noting claims of racial targeting and human trafficking as the reasons for her assessment. According to the New York Post, Judge Akers said that the document included allegations of human trafficking, infringement of human rights, and the use of forced labor. These youngsters were targeted due to their color, and according to the allegations made in the indictment, they were utilized in a manner that was essentially similar to that of slavery.
Taking into consideration the seriousness of the accusations of human trafficking and child maltreatment, Judge Akers upped the bail for the pair from $200,000 to $500,000 apiece. According to her, the original connection was inadequate since there was a possibility of death or physical damage occurring. On September 9th, the lawsuit is scheduled to start its trial.
The youngsters, who ranged in age from six to sixteen, were discovered to be living in appalling circumstances. One youngster was in a loft in the main home, while two teenagers were confined to a filthy shed that lacked even the most basic of utilities.
Because of their color, the children were allegedly subjected to the same treatment as slaves and made to labor on the property owned by the couple. In addition, the pair reportedly prevented them from accessing the main residence, as reported by the publication.
As a result of the couple's various allegations, which include human trafficking, forced labor involving kids, and child maltreatment, there is a significant possibility that they may suffer serious injuries or perhaps die. Tuesday was the day when they entered a plea of not guilty to the allegations, according to WCHSTV.
After receiving a complaint from a neighbor who expressed worry about the health and safety of children, the inquiry was initiated.
When the police arrived, they discovered two adolescents, a boy aged 14 and a girl aged 16, confined inside a shed that was located on the property of the couple. Only a portable toilet for RVs was present in the shed; there were no lights, running water, or beds. The adolescents said to the authorities that they had been compelled to sleep on the concrete floor and that they had seen their last meal twelve hours earlier.
The little kid was barefoot and had open wounds on his feet. Both of the youngsters were dressed in unclean clothing and had a strong odor of body odor. The couple brought a boy who was 11 years old and a daughter who was 6 years old to the property later on. The girl who was 9 years old was discovered inside the home.
Circuit Judge Maryclaire Akers of Kanawha County referred to the indictment as "one of the worst" she has ever seen, noting claims of racial targeting and human trafficking as the reasons for her assessment. According to the New York Post, Judge Akers said that the document included allegations of human trafficking, infringement of human rights, and the use of forced labor. These youngsters were targeted due to their color, and according to the allegations made in the indictment, they were utilized in a manner that was essentially similar to that of slavery.
Taking into consideration the seriousness of the accusations of human trafficking and child maltreatment, Judge Akers upped the bail for the pair from $200,000 to $500,000 apiece. According to her, the original connection was inadequate since there was a possibility of death or physical damage occurring. On September 9th, the lawsuit is scheduled to start its trial.
