In West Virginia, there is not currently a state law against torture. After the verdict of a human trafficking trial in Kanawha County, advocates are hoping to change that. On Wednesday, Jeanne Whitefeather and Donald Lantz were found guilty on a combined 31 counts of human trafficking,

Kanawha County Prosecuting Attorney Debra Rusnak and Kanawha County Sherriff Joe Crawford came on 580 Live Thursday after the Sissonville couple, Jeanne Kay Whitefeather and Donald Ray Lantz were found guilty on 31 of 35 combined charges Wednesday night following an over two-week trial.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The 12-member jury in an ongoing trial for a Sissonville couple charged with 35 counts of human trafficking, forced labor, civil rights violations, gross child neglect, and child abuse found them guilty on nearly every charge.

A jury on Wednesday found a couple guilty of human trafficking and child neglect in Kanawha County, with the mother also found guilty of civil rights violations.

Jury deliberations are approaching after the nearly three-week trial for Jeanne Whitefeather and Donald Lantz.

KANAWHA COUNTY, W.Va. (WSAZ) – After several days of hearing testimony from both sides, the jury has the case in a child abuse and human trafficking trial in Kanawha County. On Wednesday morning, jurors will begin deliberations in the case against Jeanne Whitefeather and Donald Lantz.

A man from Kanawha County was arrested on sex trafficking charges. According to a press release, 48-year-old Tiwan Robert Bailey, also known as “Quick,” of

Jeanne Whitefeather, 62, and Donald Ray Lantz, 61, were accused of mistreating their children — all of whom are Black

Another child is testifying against a Sissonville couple accused of human trafficking and child abuse in day five of the trial.

As West Virginia’s foster care system struggles to hire and retain workers amid low pay and overwhelming caseloads, it stresses foster families and keeps kids from getting the attention they need.

Donald Lantz, left, speaks with his attorney John Balenovich as his wife Jeanne Whitefeather, right, leaves the courtroom in Kanawha County Circuit Court in Charleston, W.Va. on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025.