The FBI claims that a Kentucky man slept with a head in his bed and sold stolen human skulls and other body parts to consumers around the nation over Facebook.
Who is James Nott?
Using a profile under the name “William Burke,” Mount Washington, Kentucky resident James Nott allegedly advertised human skulls for sale as recently as June, according to federal court documents released this week.
According to an affidavit submitted in the Western District of Kentucky, the FBI discovered Nott, 40, during its investigation into an illegal network of body parts dealers connected to the Harvard Medical School through its former mortuary manager, Cedric Lodge.
According to screenshots of two of the posts, Nott would ship anywhere besides three states. Louisiana, Tennessee, and Georgia were “no go.” A slice off the top of one of the human skulls that was advertised as having a “autopsy cut” was really missing.
Investigators said that while Nott used a pseudonym for parts of his actions and used untraceable voice calls through Facebook rather than text messages, he utilized a PayPal account under his true name to accept payment for the human remains.
He was the only person in the flat on Tuesday when the FBI showed up to execute a search warrant, according to the affidavit.
But when officers questioned him about if there was anyone else there, he allegedly responded, “Only my dead friends.”
“FBI agents located human remains including approximately 40 human skulls, spinal cords, femurs, and hip bones,” the affidavit reads. “The skulls were decorated around the furniture.”
One had been wrapped in a headscarf. They found another in Nott’s bed.
Agents also found a Harvard Medical School bag in the home.
They also seized two rifles and a pistol that Nott was not permitted to own since he was a felon. Numerous loaded AK-47 and.308 magazines were also reportedly found, along with bomb-making supplies.
Federal charges of firearm ownership by a prohibited person have been brought against Nott.
