Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents executed a search warrant at James Nott’s residence in Kentucky, revealing a shocking discovery. The agents stumbled upon a collection of 40 human skulls and other remains, implicating Nott in an alleged illegal trade of human body parts. The investigation also led to the arrest of a former morgue manager from Harvard Medical School, accused of stealing cadaver parts.
While Nott has not been charged in connection with the body parts, he faces a federal charge for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. This case began when police in Pennsylvania received a tip about human remains at the home of Jeremy Pauley, leading to a network of individuals involved in the illicit trade.
During the FBI’s investigation, Pauley disclosed information about a network engaged in the buying and selling of stolen human body parts. One of the individuals implicated was Cedric Lodge, a former employee at Harvard Medical School’s morgue. Lodge allegedly stole cadaver body parts for online sale, resulting in his termination and subsequent federal charges. Through Facebook messages, authorities connected Nott to Pauley and the ring involved in the illegal trade. Nott utilized a Facebook account under the username “William Burke,” where he advertised human remains for sale. The criminal complaint also revealed that Nott had sent Pauley images of skulls for sale in the past.
Apart from his alleged involvement in the illegal body parts trade, Nott has a criminal history. In 2011, he pleaded guilty to possessing an unregistered destructive device, which included detonation cords, igniting devices, and timed fuses. These materials were capable of assembling a destructive device. As a result, Nott now faces a federal charge for possessing a firearm as a prohibited person due to his status as a convicted felon.