Buckets Filled With Child Body Parts Uncovered Before Pennsylvania Man's Arrest

PENNSBORO TOWNSHIP, PA — Police found five-gallon buckets full of body parts, including those of children, while investigating a Pennsylvania man for selling human remains online.

On Thursday, East Pennsboro Township police announced they charged 40-year-old Jeremy Lee Pauley with multiple offenses, stemming from the apparent sale of stolen body parts on Facebook. Original story: Body Part Purchasing Leads To Charges For Pennsylvania Man: Police

A federal investigation is open in Arkansas after police say Pauley was buying the remains from a woman there.

The remains were meant to be donated to the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. A UAMS spokeswoman said that a female mortuary employee stole the remains from Arkansas Central Mortuary Services in Little Rock, according to the Associated Press.

The mortuary's owner told KARK the employee stopped coming to work July 13, and said he had "no idea" she was allegedly selling body parts.

Conor Hagan, spokesman for the FBI in Little Rock, said the office was aware of the Pennsylvania charges “but will not comment on ongoing investigations.” As of Thursday, no charges have been filed against the yet-unnamed Arkansas woman.

Pauley faces charges of abuse of a corpse, two counts of receiving stolen property, and dealing in proceeds of unlawful activities. Two of these are felony charges. East Pennsboro Township Police say they arrested him August 18.

Pauley posted a $50,000 unsecured bail, court records show. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for Sept. 14 in front of Magisterial District Judge Michael Sanderson.

In their search, police found some human remains Pauley had, including full skeletons, were "legally obtained." However, on a second search they found "three five-gallon buckets containing assorted body parts— including of children," the AP reported.

Pauley told investigators he intended to resell the body parts, according to the affidavit. Investigators allege that he arranged to pay the Arkansas woman $4,000 for various parts, including half a head and four hands, through Facebook Messenger.

Federal and state law enforcement agents also intercepted packages addressed to Pauley from the Arkansas woman that contained body parts.

Pauley's Facebook page indicates he is the curator of a museum called “The Grand Wunderkammer (German for "cabinet of curiosity") in Gettysburg.

The website says, "We proudly bring you things of curious wonder for your enjoyment! From handpicked vendors, showcasing natural history, osteology, taxidermy, handmade jewelry, one-of-a-kind art, and more, to live sideshow entertainment, guest presenters on a variety of unusual yet educational subjects, and special guests!"

Pauley was advertising human bones for sale on his personal Facebook page as recently as August 16.

Facebook's community standards prohibit human exploitation and explicitly prohibit selling body parts through its commercial policies and advertising policies, as the AP notes. The company did not respond to requests for comment.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.