LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Officials confirmed that a former employee of a mortuary services provider has pleaded guilty to transporting stolen body parts across state lines, along with conspiracy to commit mail fraud.
37-year-old Candace Chapman Scott of Little Rock entered a guilty plea on April 25 before United States District Judge Brian S. Miller. Judge Miller will sentence Scott at a later date.
According to state law, transporting stolen property across state lines is punishable by up to 10 years’ imprisonment, not less than three years’ supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000.
The maximum penalty Scott could face for mail fraud is not more than 20 years’ imprisonment, not less than three years’ supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000.
An investigation revealed that Scott stole human body parts and fetal remains while she was an employee at a mortuary services provider between October 2021 through July 15, 2022.
According to reports, Scott would sell the stolen parts and remains, before arranging for them to be transported across state lines to a purchaser.
Scott was indicted on April 5, 2023, and charged with six counts of wire fraud, four counts of mail fraud, and two counts of interstate transportation of stolen property. In exchange for her guilty plea, the remaining charges have been dismissed.
