Man to be sentenced for theft of bones

Associated Press

ATHENS, Ohio

Sentencing is scheduled for Tuesday for an Ohio man on charges related to the theft and sale of human skulls and skeletons.

The Athens Messenger reports that the attorney for 29-year-old former lab assistant Weston Moquin is asking a federal judge to spare him from prison time.

Attorney Keith Yeazel stated in a recent court filing that he is urging probation.

“He is a first-time, non-violent felony offender who essentially committed thefts to support his drug habit,” Yeazel stated.

He said Moquin needs treatment, and also to be able to work to pay restitution.

“If drug addiction creates a propensity towards crime, then it follows that drug rehabilitation goes a long way toward preventing recidivism,” Yeazel wrote.

He said otherwise, a short sentence “is sufficient to impress on Mr. Moquin the seriousness of his crimes and deter him from re-offending.”

Court documents show that thefts from Ohio University in 2011-12 included human bones, other preserved human remains, autopsy saws and other items the university had as teaching aids. The records state Moquin reaped nearly $85,000 from online sales. Most of the items were shipped to buyers in California, Utah and Oregon.

He has pleaded guilty to interstate transportation of stolen goods and to theft from a program receiving federal funds.