Arkansas – A former employee of a mortuary services provider has admitted to engaging in the theft and illegal transportation of human body parts. The 37-year-old Little Rock resident, Candace Chapman Scott, pleaded guilty to transporting stolen body parts across state lines and conspiracy to commit mail fraud, Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced.
Details of the Case
The guilty plea was entered before United States District Judge Brian S. Miller, who will set a date for sentencing Scott. This case has revealed unsettling activities involving the mishandling of human remains entrusted to mortuary care. Between October 2021 and approximately July 15, 2022, Scott exploited her position at the mortuary services provider to steal human body parts and fetal remains. These stolen items were then sold and shipped across state lines to various purchasers, highlighting a grievous breach of trust and legal duty.
Jonathan D. Ross, the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, detailed that Scott arranged for these stolen body parts and fetal remains to be transported to buyers, effectively crossing state boundaries and compounding the severity of her crimes.
Legal Consequences
Scott faces severe penalties for her actions. The charge of transporting stolen property across state lines carries a maximum penalty of up to 10 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release, and a fine that could reach $250,000. Additionally, the mail fraud component could lead to as much as 20 years in prison, a similar period of supervised release, and another fine of up to $250,000.
Originally indicted on April 5, 2023, with six counts of wire fraud, four counts of mail fraud, and two counts of interstate transportation of stolen property, Scott’s agreement to plead guilty led to the dismissal of the remaining charges. This plea agreement will likely factor into her sentencing, reflecting her cooperation with law enforcement authorities.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation that led to Scott’s arrest and subsequent guilty plea.
