Two Men Sentenced in Pennsylvania for Trafficking Stolen Human Remains Across U.S.
A chilling network of stolen body parts from across the United States leads to prison sentences in Pennsylvania. š #News #ScrantonPA #Pennsylvania #Crime
SCRANTON, PA – Two men have been sentenced to prison for their roles in a nationwide trafficking ring involving stolen human remains here in Pennsylvania. These separate cases shed light on a disturbing underground trade that included the sale of body parts from deceased individuals, including babies. The sentences bring some closure to a multi-year investigation that has uncovered more crimes related to the trafficking of stolen human remains across the U.S.
The Sentences and Crimes
Matthew Lampi, 50, of Minnesota, was sentenced to 15 months in federal prison for his involvement in transporting stolen human remains. In addition to his prison term, Lampi was fined $2,000 and ordered to pay $1,700 to the mother of a stillborn baby whose remains were unlawfully sold. Lampi admitted to purchasing stolen human remains, including the body of the stillborn baby, from Jeremy Pauley, a Pennsylvania resident.
The investigation revealed that Pauley had acquired the stolen remains from Candace Chapman Scott, a former employee of a Little Rock, Arkansas, mortuary and crematorium. Scott had stolen body parts from cadavers she was supposed to cremate, including remains of two stillborn babies and other donated cadavers meant for educational purposes.
Lampi and Pauley had been exchanging stolen remains for years, conducting transactions worth more than $100,000.
In a separate case, Angelo Pereyra, 39, of Kansas, received an 18-month prison sentence for stealing and trafficking human remains and body parts. Between 2018 and 2022, Pereyra worked as a pathology assistant at a Kansas hospital, where he stole organs, amputated body parts, and even the remains of miscarried and stillborn fetuses. He then sold these remains to Andrew Ensanian, a man from Pennsylvania.
The Stolen Remains
Pereyra’s crime spree involved disturbing acts, including the theft of organs such as hearts, livers, spleens, and even testicles, as well as amputated feet and toes.
Some of these body parts were taken from deceased patients, while others were stolen from living patients undergoing medical procedures. The stolen remains were sold to Ensanian in Pennsylvania, further fueling the illegal trade.
Meanwhile, Lampi’s case centered around the tragic theft of stillborn babies’ remains, which were meant to be returned to grieving families after cremation. This betrayal of trust has left a deep emotional impact on the affected families.
A Nationwide Investigation
The sentences come after a lengthy investigation into the trafficking of stolen human remains, part of a wider probe that included the high-profile case of remains stolen from Harvard Medical School. U.S. Attorney Gerard M. Karam condemned the theft and trafficking of human remains, calling the crimes āappalling.ā
āSome crimes defy understanding,ā Karam said in a statement. āThe theft and trafficking of human remains strikes at the very essence of what makes us human. It is particularly egregious that so many of the victims here volunteered to allow their remains to be used to educate medical professionals and advance the interests of science and healing. For them and their families to be taken advantage of in the name of profit is appalling.”
Awaiting Sentencing
Jeremy Pauley and Candace Chapman Scott are still awaiting sentencing in connection with their involvement in the trafficking of stolen human remains. As the investigation continues, more details are likely to emerge about the full extent of the network involved in this disturbing crime.
RELATED TOPICS: Arkansas | Crime | Kansas | Minnesota | Pennsylvania
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What are they doing with these body parts? They were supposed to be going to research but the article doesn’t tell us what the criminals are actually do8ng with them…getting paid from whom for what?
Hi Maggie! We have no idea – the police reports and court documents we had access to for this article didn’t specify. Either way, it’s creepy and chilling, isn’t it? Thanks so much much for reading and commenting – we hope you have a beautiful new year! Best to you, Jack and Kitty š
This story made me sick to my stomache. The crimes are so evil. And the perpetrators got very little from the courts for their crimea How do we know they did not murder and sell body parts as well. It is a horrible thing to hear of such crimes. And yes I too wonder why there is not more info. where these body parts went.
Good morning, Debra! Agreed – it’s simply heartbreaking. The only thing we can do is find comfort in prayer. Thanks so much for reading and for your insightful comments. We hope you have a great day! Take care, Jack and Kitty š