FBI Uncovers 40 Skulls and Human Bones in Kentucky Residence Tied to Alleged Human Remains Trafficking Associated with Harvard Medical School
Kentucky Man Raided for Alleged Human Remains Trafficking Linked to Harvard and Arkansas Mortuary
During a raid at the residence of James Nott in Mount Washington, Kentucky, the FBI discovered 40 skulls and various human bones, which investigators believe were used as decorations throughout the house. The raid was part of an investigation into an alleged international and domestic body part trafficking scheme involving Harvard Medical School and an Arkansas mortuary.
When questioned by FBI agents during the raid, Nott reportedly responded, “only my dead friends,” implying that the human bones belonged to individuals he knew. It is alleged that Nott used a fake name, “William Burke,” a reference to a 19th-century serial killer, to sell the human remains on Facebook. He is accused of obtaining the bones from different locations worldwide.
Following the raid, Nott was charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The charge arose during the execution of the federal search warrant, which aimed to find firearms and trafficked human remains at Nott’s residence. The Department of Justice issued a press release highlighting the firearm possession charge in relation to the ongoing investigation.
The case involving James Nott sheds light on the alleged illicit trade of human remains and the involvement of prestigious institutions such as Harvard Medical School, drawing attention to the need for further investigation and accountability in addressing such activities.
The criminal complaint against James Nott revealed that law enforcement officers observed him posting human remains for sale on Facebook as recently as June 23. This discovery led to the raid on his residence in Kentucky.
The raid follows an ongoing investigation into the theft and sale of human remains, including brains and skin, from Harvard Medical School’s morgue. Cedric Lodge, the morgue manager, and his wife were indicted by a grand jury for their alleged involvement in the criminal scheme. The indictment states that the scheme took place from 2018 until earlier this year.
During the raid at Nott’s residence, investigators found a Harvard Medical School bag, suggesting a potential connection to the stolen human remains.
These developments highlight the investigation’s focus on uncovering the extent of the alleged trafficking of human remains and the involvement of individuals associated with Harvard Medical School’s morgue. The case emphasizes the need for comprehensive measures to safeguard the ethical handling and respectful treatment of human remains.
Cedric Lodge, the morgue manager at Harvard Medical School, is accused of taking human remains that were meant to be cremated to his home in Goffstown, New Hampshire, and selling them to individuals in other states. This illegal operation has resulted in charges being brought against eight individuals across multiple states.
James Nott, one of the individuals charged, allegedly coordinated the sales of the remains with Jeremy Pauley, who resides in Pennsylvania.
United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam expressed his disbelief at the nature of these crimes, highlighting that the theft and trafficking of human remains strike at the core of our humanity. He emphasized the severity of the situation, particularly because many of the victims willingly donated their remains for medical education and scientific advancement. Exploiting these individuals and their families for financial gain is deeply disturbing. Through the charges brought forth, justice is being pursued for all the victims involved.
These ongoing investigations and charges aim to address the grave ethical violations and seek justice for the victims who intended to contribute to medical education and research in a meaningful way.
