FBI spokeswoman Beth Anne Steele confirmed the day-long search of the 25,000-square-foot facility, but declined to comment further because the matter is under seal. A person familiar with the matter said that FBI agents took records from MedCure but did not remove human remains.
The search warrant, though sealed, signals that an FBI investigation of MedCure has reached an advanced stage. To obtain a search warrant to seize records, rather than demand them via subpoena, FBI agents must provide a detailed affidavit to a U.S. magistrate with evidence to support probable cause that crimes have been committed and that related records may be on the premises.
“MedCure is fully cooperating with the FBI, and looks forward to resolving whatever questions the government may have about their business,” said Jeffrey Edelson, a Portland attorney who represents the company. “Out of respect for the integrity of the process, we do not believe that further comment is appropriate at this time.”
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MedCure expanding in Gresham as whole-body donation business flourishes
"We are a clearinghouse for families focused on donating a body to science and medical researchers needing a body for their work," said Valere Beck, marketing director for MedCure. "The marriage of those two services is why we exist."
Beck wants to make sure people know what MedCure is not. The company doesn't provide organs for transplant; regional nonprofit organizations coordinate those services with hospitals. It doesn't sell body parts; doing so directly is against state and federal law. Instead, MedCure and similar companies donate bodies or body parts and then collect fees for finding donors, testing tissue for infectious disease, transporting, tracking and cremating remains.
"That's what we do: find people who want to donate," Beck said.
Beck said 20 percent of the company's business involves training doctors from outside the U.S., and the addition of the Gresham center will allow the company to expand that market.
"There's a big niche for providing training for foreign doctors," she said.
Thanks for that thorough work. Agree about Sorcha Faal, if I'd seen it from there I would have been more wary. The owner however is listed as the same person so that checks out.
Also, Reuters said that they were able to buy two heads and a spine so the company is lying about selling body parts.
Was the buying of the parts from that specific company? Here's the quote I saw from USA Today
In the United States are not allowed to profit from the sale of organs intended for transplantation, e.g., heart and kidneys. However, the Reuters investigation showed that in most U.S. States to sell donated body or their dismembered parts, such as the hands and head, medical research, training and education, legitimately. The reporter bought two of the head and spine in Tennessee after a short correspondence on the Internet.
What does seem extra murky if corruption were to be involved is the Whole Body Donor Program (Easy way to dispose of bodies; What oversight is involved to ensure no organ harvesting rings take advantage? 'Hey we found this guy and it looks like a giant bird took his heart. Tragic accident/act of nature. He happens to have no family and is a MedCure Whole Body Donor. They'll pick him up.')
MEDCURE Whole Body Donation Program Working to Support Local Crisis Intervention Team
Q: What should I do if a death has occurred or a patient or loved one is close to passing?
If someone has already passed, they can still become a whole body donor. However, MEDCURE should be contacted immediately to increase the likelihood of acceptance. Also, if a patient or loved one is currently receiving hospice care and/ or is close to passing, MEDCURE should be contacted immediately. Donation Coordinators are available 24 hours a day to assist in the completion and submission of necessary consent documentation.
Q: Am I eligible for body donation?
Most people who wish to donate are eligible. MEDCURE has no upper age restrictions and can accept donations from individuals with a wide variety of medical conditions. The most common reasons for ineligibility include a diagnosis of certain communicable diseases such as HIV / AIDS or hepatitis B or C, history of intravenous (IV) drug use, recent prolonged incarceration, institutionalization, or homelessness, and being severely over or under weight at the time of passing.
Q: Is there really no cost to body donation?
Once a MEDCURE donor is accepted at the time of final transportation to a MEDCURE facility, all donation-related expenses will be covered. These expenses include transportation arrangements, one certified copy of the death certificate, cremation, and either the return of the cremated remains to the family or a scattering at sea.
Q: Who is responsible for providing transportation to a MEDCURE facility?
Upon completion of the eligibility screening at the time of passing, MEDCURE will make arrangements for transportation and care. MEDCURE covers transportation expenses once acceptance is determined at time of final transportation to a MEDCURE facility. Donor families are encouraged to not contact a funeral home themselves at the time of passing.
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kestrel9 ago
Great find! Here are some related links:
https://archive.is/e4plq Exclusive: FBI agents raid headquarters of major U.S. body broker
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http://www.oregonlive.com/business/index.ssf/2012/02/medcure_expanding_in_gresham_a.html
List of links, has speculation about ties, https://onehope2016.wordpress.com/2017/11/09/portland-body-broker-medcure-raided-by-feds-possible-ties-to-clinton-corruption/ http://archive.is/1DJBr
maggiethatcher ago
Thanks for that thorough work. Agree about Sorcha Faal, if I'd seen it from there I would have been more wary. The owner however is listed as the same person so that checks out.
Also, Reuters said that they were able to buy two heads and a spine so the company is lying about selling body parts.
kestrel9 ago
Was the buying of the parts from that specific company? Here's the quote I saw from USA Today
What does seem extra murky if corruption were to be involved is the Whole Body Donor Program (Easy way to dispose of bodies; What oversight is involved to ensure no organ harvesting rings take advantage? 'Hey we found this guy and it looks like a giant bird took his heart. Tragic accident/act of nature. He happens to have no family and is a MedCure Whole Body Donor. They'll pick him up.')
MEDCURE Whole Body Donation Program Working to Support Local Crisis Intervention Team
MEDCURE Whole Body Donation Program Working to Support Local Crisis Intervention Team http://www.wmcactionnews5.com/story/36518439/medcure-whole-body-donation-program-working-to-support-local-crisis-intervention-team