The arrest of James Nott, a Bullitt County man from Kentucky, has sent shockwaves through the community. FBI agents discovered dozens of human remains, including skulls, in Nott’s home, leading to his arrest and subsequent investigation. Nott’s alleged involvement in the multistate and international trade of stolen body parts has revealed a dark underworld that exploits the deceased for profit. This article explores the background of James Nott, the illicit trade he was involved in, and the horrifying discoveries made by law enforcement.
James Nott
James Nott, a 39-year-old Bullitt County resident, has come under scrutiny due to his alleged participation in the illegal trade of human remains. Nott operated under the alias “William Burke” on online platforms where he purchased human remains. This name carries historical significance as it belonged to a notorious serial killer in Edinburgh, Scotland, during the 1820s. The revelation of Nott’s public Facebook posts offering human remains for sale adds a disturbing dimension to the case. Investigations have linked Nott to the stolen body parts originating from Harvard Medical School’s morgue and a mortuary in Little Rock, Arkansas. The body parts were reportedly obtained from abroad and sold within the United States.
The Investigation Unfolds
The investigation into this macabre trade began with the discovery of a Pennsylvania man, Jeremy Pauley, selling human remains from his own home. Pauley had been purchasing the body parts, including organs and skin, through Facebook Messenger from Candace Chapman, a mortician in Arkansas. It was later revealed that Chapman had been stealing remains from a mortuary in Little Rock, meant to be cremated, and selling them to Pauley. James Nott was among the individuals connected to this network, engaging in the purchase and transportation of the stolen body parts. Cedric Lodge, the morgue manager for Harvard Medical School’s Anatomical Gift Program, was also implicated for allowing unauthorized individuals access to the morgue and participating in the theft and sale of body parts.
Horrifying Discoveries and Arrest
During the execution of a search warrant at Nott’s residence on Love Avenue in Mt Washington, FBI agents made horrifying discoveries. Around 40 human skulls, spinal cords, femurs, and hip bones were found throughout the apartment, with some skulls decorated and placed as macabre ornaments. The presence of an AK-47, loaded magazines, dummy grenades, body armor plates, and a loaded revolver added to the disturbing nature of the findings. Nott was subsequently arrested and charged with unlawful possession of a firearm as a prohibited person. His neighbors expressed shock and concern, reflecting on the potentially dangerous situation that unfolded near their homes.
Previous Criminal Record and Legal Proceedings
James Nott had a prior criminal record, including possession of an unregistered destructive device and possession of a firearm as an unlawful user of marijuana. As a result, he had previously served a 30-month prison sentence. In his recent court appearance, Nott waived a detention hearing and was assigned counsel from the federal public defender’s office. His arraignment is scheduled for August 4. If convicted, Nott could face a maximum prison sentence of 10 years.