Body broker who sold diseased remains convicted of fraud

WASHINGTON: A Detroit businessman who sold and leased donated body parts for two decades was convicted of defrauding medical customers by selling them diseased human remains.

The case against Arthur Rathburn is part of a growing national investigation by federal authorities into the largely unregulated market for body parts in the United States.

Federal agents found a grisly scene when they raided Rathburn’s warehouse in 2013, including remains frozen together flesh on flesh.

Current US laws only regulate body parts intended for transplant, such as hearts and livers.

The buying and selling of body parts for research and education – Rathburn’s line of business – is legal under US law.

He was charged with defrauding clients by selling them body parts infected with HIV and hepatitis without their knowledge.

Rathburn’s ex-wife and business partner, Elizabeth, testified that they bought body parts from companies that encourage people to donate their bodies to science.

In an effort to boost profits, she testified, the Rathburns sometimes bought infected bodies and parts, which are sold at discount because few medical entities want them for training or education.

Elizabeth Rathburn pleaded guilty to fraud, and she cooperated with the prosecution.

During testimony before the federal jury in Detroit this month, she said that she expects her sentence will be between four and 10 months.

Arthur Rathburn, who did not testify at trial, faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, although the US sentencing guidelines the judge must consider generally call for a shorter term.

Both are expected to be sentenced in the spring.

Rathburn was convicted on seven counts of fraud and acquitted of two counts of fraud.

His lawyers had contended that the case focused on contract disputes with his customers over the quality of his products and ought to be brought in civil court, not criminal court. — Reuters