Evidence stands against area man in body parts probe

DETROIT (AP) — A federal judge has refused to throw out evidence against a Detroit-area man who is charged in an investigation of hazardous body parts used for research.

Arthur Rathburn challenged searches of his warehouse. But Judge Paul Borman Howes the FBI made “significant efforts” to justify a search.

The judge says investigators relied on credible witnesses, including two people who worked with Rathburn and a professional who heard him speak at a conference.

The Grosse Pointe Park man is charged with fraud, making false statements and transporting hazardous materials.

The indictment says he falsely claimed eight human heads shipped in 2012 had been embalmed, yet human blood was found in the coolers.

Rathburn operated International Biological Inc., which rented out body parts for medical or dental training.