Man accused of selling tainted body parts goes on trial

Prosecutor John Neal described a “house of horror” operated by Arthur Rathburn during opening statements Friday in U.S. District Court.

“This is a case about lying, deception,” Neal said, adding that Rathburn failed to disclose that some of the bodies he sold were infected with HIV and forms of hepatitis.

Rathburn is charged with nine counts of wire fraud, three counts of making false statements and one count of transporting hazardous material.

He was indicted by a grand jury in Detroit in January 2016, which alleges he falsely claimed eight human heads shipped in 2012 had been embalmed.

Rathburn operated International Biological Inc., which rented out body parts for medical or dental training.

His ex-wife Elizabeth Rathburn, who was an employee at the business, pleaded to one count of wire fraud in March 2016. She is expected to testify for the government.

James Howarth, an attorney for Arthur Rathburn, said it’s a case about “contract.”

Article Appeared @http://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/wayne-county/2018/01/05/accused-body-parts-dealer-trial/109179568/

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