Jun 12, 2008 6:41 pm US/Eastern
Surgeon In Body Parts Scheme Apologizes In Court
Mastermind Mastromarino Faces Up To 54 Years In Prison
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
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Michael Mastromarino, 44, faces up to 54 years in prison for his role in a massive body parts scheme. He will be sentenced May 21.
CBS
Michael Mastromarino, who earned millions trafficking stolen body parts from corpses in funeral homes, addressed family members whose bodies he plundered on Thursday.
"I apologize for pain and grief to donor families and recipients," Mastromarino said. "I'm truly sorry for all the pain I've caused you."
The 44-year-old former dentist, who already pleaded guilty, had his sentencing adjourned because of a glitch with his probation report. But those affected by his theft of body parts, were anxious to speak out.
Donna Gage said her mother's body was looted in a funeral home.
"I hate myself every day for choosing the funeral home I did, because of him," Gage said.
Investigators found corpses with leg bones removed and replaced with PVC pipe and rags. Bones, tissue and tendons were carved up without the consent of loved ones and sold. Stephani Beradini of Denver, who received tissue and bone for oral surgery, and was told the tissue may have been tainted, but now worries about disease.
"HIV, syphilis, hepatitis," Beradini said.
In hearing loved ones and victims speak of their horrors, Assistant District Attorney Patricia McNeil said it was the first time she ever cried in court.
Karen Del Re says the body of her father, James Thornton, was plundered for parts like he was a used car.
"What people do for greed is unimaginable," Del Re said.
Mastromarino will return to court in two weeks for sentencing. He could get 18 to 54 years.
One of the bodies plundered for parts was that of "Masterpiece Theatre" host Alistair Cooke, who died in 2004.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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