Florida woman faces criminal charges for operating bone trade business
A peculiar case involving human remains has emerged from Deltona, Florida, where a 52-year-old shop owner's unconventional business practices have drawn law enforcement attention.
According to Fox News, Kymberlee Anne Schopper was arrested and charged with trading in human tissue after allegedly selling human bones through her business, Wicked Wonderland, on Facebook Marketplace.
Local authorities began investigating the case after receiving a tip about the online sale of human remains in December 2023.
The investigation revealed that Schopper's business was openly advertising various human bone specimens, including skulls, vertebrae, and other skeletal parts, with prices ranging from $35 to $600.
Disturbing Online Marketplace Discovery Leads to Investigation
Orange City Police Department launched their inquiry following a December 21 report about suspicious listings on Facebook Marketplace.
The business's social media presence displayed an array of human remains available for purchase, raising immediate concerns about the legality of such transactions.
When confronted by law enforcement, Schopper initially claimed the items were educational models, which would have been legal under Florida state law. However, subsequent expert examination revealed a more troubling reality about the origin and authenticity of the specimens.
Medical examiners conducted thorough testing of the confiscated items, confirming their authenticity as genuine human remains. Some of the bones were determined to be archaeological specimens, with ages ranging from 100 to over 500 years old.
Bone Trade Operation Details Surface
The business's inventory included an extensive collection of human remains, with specific pricing for different body parts. Two human skulls were listed at $90 each, while a human clavicle and scapula set was also priced at $90. Individual items such as ribs and vertebrae were being sold for $35, and a partial human skull commanded a premium price of $600.
Shop representatives acknowledged maintaining long-term involvement in the bone trade, claiming to have documentation for their transactions with private sellers. However, when requested to provide this documentation during the investigation, they were unable to produce the necessary papers.
Police investigators discovered that the business had been conducting these sales through multiple channels, including their website and social media platforms, apparently unaware of Florida's strict regulations regarding human remains trading.
Legal Implications and State Regulations
Florida law explicitly prohibits the buying and selling of human remains, making Schopper's alleged activities a criminal offense. The case highlights the intersection between commerce and ethical considerations regarding human remains.
Schopper was taken into custody and processed at the Volusia County Jail. She has since been released after posting a $7,500 bond, though she still faces serious legal consequences for her alleged involvement in the illegal trade.
The investigation has sparked discussions about the regulation of human remains sales and the importance of proper documentation and authorization for handling archaeological specimens.
Why This Story Matters
The arrest of Kymberlee Anne Schopper is significant not only due to the illegality of her actions but also because it highlights broader issues around cultural sensitivity, ethical conduct, and the proper handling of human remains.
It serves as a stark reminder of the responsibilities that come with handling human artifacts and the importance of adhering to legal and ethical standards.
Case Conclusion and Future Proceedings
Kymberlee Anne Schopper, the owner of Wicked Wonderland in Orange City, Florida, faces criminal charges for allegedly operating an illegal bone trading business through various online platforms. Her arrest has brought attention to the underground market for human remains and its legal implications.
The case remains active as authorities continue to investigate the full scope of the operation and the origin of the human remains. Schopper's release on bond marks the beginning of what could be a complex legal process addressing the unauthorized sale of archaeological human specimens in Florida.