A disturbing case of human remains trafficking has come to light in Arkansas, involving a mortuary worker and a heavily tattooed collector of oddities.

According to the New York Post, Candace Chapman Scott, 37, from Little Rock, has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for selling human body parts, including fetuses, to Jeremy Lee Pauley, a Pennsylvania man covered in face tattoos and piercings.

The heinous crimes occurred between October 2021 and July 15, 2022, when Scott, while working at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Anatomical Gift Program, sold various human remains through a Facebook group dedicated to body part sales. Federal investigators uncovered a series of transactions totaling $10,625 for 24 boxes containing human remains.

Disturbing Details Emerge From Body Parts Trafficking Case

The list of stolen human remains included skulls, brains, arms, ears, lungs, hearts, breasts, belly buttons, and testicles. Scott's criminal activities were discovered when investigators searched her residence and found several body parts. She subsequently admitted to bagging these remains during her employment at the mortuary.

Judge Brian S. Miller, who presided over the case, expressed his shock at the severity of the crimes, describing them as "some of the worst I've ever seen."

The case gained particular notoriety due to the involvement of "Baby Lux," whose remains were trafficked instead of being properly cremated.

United States Attorney Jonathan D. Ross highlighted the emotional impact on families, particularly those who received incorrect cremated remains. The case revealed a deeper connection to a national network of body snatching that extended to prestigious institutions like Harvard Medical School.

Victim Impact Statements Reveal Deep Emotional Trauma

During the sentencing hearing, Doneysha Smith, the mother of Baby Lux, delivered a heart-wrenching testimony. She described her ongoing psychological trauma and sleepless nights, haunted by thoughts of her son's remains being treated like common mail.

The FBI's Little Rock Special Agent in Charge, Alicia D. Corder, emphasized the unprecedented nature of the crime. The investigation revealed a complex network of illegal body part trafficking that extended beyond state borders.

As stated by FBI Little Rock Special Agent in Charge Alicia D. Corder:

This sentencing does not reverse the immeasurable damage that has been caused to the victimized families, however, the FBI and our partners will continuously work to ensure justice is served for all.

National Body Trafficking Network Under Investigation

The case exposed a larger underground operation involving multiple institutions and states. Pauley, the 42-year-old recipient of the stolen remains, has pleaded guilty to conspiracy and interstate transportation of stolen property in Pennsylvania.

The investigation revealed that Pauley and Scott initially connected through a Facebook group where the sale of body parts was openly discussed. Their interactions led to multiple transactions involving human remains stolen from the Arkansas mortuary.

The case has prompted increased scrutiny of anatomical gift programs and mortuary practices across the country. Healthcare institutions are now reviewing their security protocols and chain of custody procedures for human remains.

Justice Served In Unprecedented Criminal Case

Candace Chapman Scott, the former mortuary worker who betrayed public trust by selling human remains from an anatomical gift program, will serve 15 years in federal prison for her crimes.

Her guilty plea to charges of transporting stolen human body parts and conspiracy to commit mail fraud led to this significant sentence.

The case has exposed vulnerabilities in the handling of human remains at medical institutions and anatomical gift programs, prompting nationwide reforms. Meanwhile, Jeremy Lee Pauley awaits sentencing in Pennsylvania after pleading guilty to his role in this disturbing trafficking network.

Why This Story Matters

The significance of this story extends into several critical domains. Firstly, it underscores the need for tighter security and ethical standards in facilities handling human remains. Secondly, it highlights the enduring pain of families who learn that their loved ones' remains were handled so disrespectfully. Lastly, it calls for a reflection on the boundaries of collectible culture.

In conclusion, the sentencing of Candance Chapman Scott to 15 years in federal prison marks a significant milestone in addressing crimes involving the illegal trade of human body parts. This case illuminates the disturbing possibilities of such crimes and reinforces the need for vigilance and strict compliance with ethical norms in handling the deceased.