Jury reaches a verdict in child trafficking and abuse case

The mother of children who were found locked in a Sissonville barn was found guilty on all charges and the father guilty of all but four in a child abuse and forced labor case. Eyewitness News reported Jeanne Whitefeather was found guilty of multiple counts of human trafficking, forced labor, gross child neglect and child abuse. Donald Lantz was found not guilty of four counts of civil rights violations and guilty of all other charges, including human trafficking, forced labor, gross child neglect and child abuse. The Kanawha County jury reached the verdict Wednesday after eight hours of deliberation. Sentencing is scheduled for March 19. Prosecutors said Whitefeather faces a maximum of 215 years in prison while Lantz could see up to 140 years behind bars.