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May 17, 2008 12:52:04 AM CDT

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Man Admits to Selling Stolen Body Parts  

Posted Mar 18, 08 9:57 PM CDT in Crime    Most Covered

(newser) – A New Jersey dentist who ran a business plundering body parts from corpses in funeral homes pleaded guilty in Brooklyn today, the Newark Star-Ledger reports. Michael Mastromarino, 44, admitted to removing bones and tissue from two dozen corpses, which were sold to tissue processors for use in transplants and other surgery. He now owes $4.68 million and faces up to 54 years in prison.

"I feel horrible for the victims in this case," his lawyer told the AP. "There is no excuse for what he did." Mastromarino and three other defendants disguised their crimes by sewing pipe in bodies they'd removed bones from before relatives saw them. His company, provided tissue for about 10,000 people. Among the corpses mutilated was that of Alistair Cooke, the host of “Masterpiece Theater.”

Sources Star-Ledger, Associated Press

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Man Admits to Selling Stolen Body Parts
This photo provided by the Brooklyn District Attorney shows Michael Mastomarino, who pleaded guilty to leading a scheme to steal body parts from corpses.   (AP Photo)
Man Admits to Selling Stolen Body Parts
The value of human body parts and an x-ray showing human body parts replaced with PVC piping is on display at the Brooklyn District Attorneys office in this 2006 file photo.   (AP Photo/Adam Rountree)
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