ORANGE CITY, Fla. — In a case highlighting the murky waters between novelty commerce and legal boundaries, a Florida curio shop owner has been charged with the alleged sale of human remains marketed as educational artifacts. Kymberlee Schopper, 52, known for her ownership of the Wicked Wonderland store in Orange City, faces serious accusations that shed light on the ethical and legal issues surrounding trade in human tissues.
Authorities initiated an investigation into Schopper’s business practices after being tipped off by a local concerning advertisements on the store’s Facebook Marketplace page. The posts seemingly offered human bone fragments for sale, prompting scrutiny over whether such sales were legal.
Upon examining police affidavits, it was revealed that the shop listed various pieces, including fragments of skulls and ribs, pricing some items as high as $600. Further investigation disclosed that although Schopper’s business partner cited private purchases as the source of these fragments, no sufficient documentation was produced to substantiate these claims.
During an interrogation, Schopper defended her actions by labeling the remains as educational materials, attempting to navigate a legal grey area in Florida law. However, local law enforcement officials emphasized that selling human remains, regardless of their intended use, is against state law.
As the probe deepened, it was unveiled that this practice had been ongoing for years, though Schopper’s partner suggested they were possibly unaware of the legal ramifications. Despite these defenses, investigators believed that Schopper was fully aware of the nature of her business undertakings.
Subsequent to their seizure, the bone fragments underwent analysis by the Volusia County Medical Examiner’s Office, which deemed some pieces to be historical artifacts potentially dating back between 100 to 500 years, thus underscoring their archaeological significance.
The investigation culminated with Schopper being charged with a felony for purchasing or selling human tissue. After her arrest, she was released on a $7,500 bond. Her arraignment is set for May 1.
This incident has ignited a debate regarding the oversight of businesses that deal in unusual and potentially sensitive artifacts. The case also stands as a reminder of the stringent regulations that govern the sale of human anatomical specimens.
Legal experts suggest that the unfolding case against Schopper could establish precedents for how similar cases are handled in the future, possibly affecting dealers and collectors of rare items across the state and beyond. The implications are significant, impacting the intersecting lines of educational, ethical, and legal standards in the trade of historical and human artifacts.
Further actions against Schopper’s business partner may follow as the investigation continues, marking an ongoing concern for all parties involved about the legal intricacies and moral debates such cases incite. Such developments are awaited with keen interest by both the legal community and the general public.