News
Moquin Sentenced To Prison In Bone-Theft Case
By: Steve Robb | Athens Messenger
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An Athens man who pleaded guilty to charges related to the theft and sale of human bones has been sentenced to 15 months in federal prison.
Weston Moquin, 29, pleaded guilty in January to charges of interstate transportation of stolen goods and theft from a program receiving federal funds. The theft occurred from Ohio University.
On Tuesday, Moquin was sentenced to 15 months in prison on each charge, to be served concurrently.
A court spokeswoman said Moquin's attorney requested that the sentence be served in a minimum security prison in Morgantown, W.Va. The spokeswoman said the request will likely be granted, and she noted that the Morgantown facility has a drug treatment program. She said Moquin will be notified when to report to the facility — probably within 30 to 60 days.
Moquin also was ordred to pay restitution of $84,684 and to pay a special assessment of $200. After he gets out of prison, he will be on two years supervised release.
Prior to sentencing, defense attorney Keith Yeazel filed a memorandum asking the court to sentence Moquin to probation.
“He is a first-time, non-violent felony offender who essentially committed thefts to support his drug habit,” Yeazel wrote.
The thefts from Ohio University occurred between May of 2011 and September of 2012, when Moquin was employed there as an anatomical assistant.
According to court documents, materials stolen included loose human bones, skulls, skeletons, plastinated human remains, autopsy saws and other materials that had been purchased by the university as teaching aids. Moquin sold the items through his eBay account, and most were shipped to customers in California, Utah and Oregon. He received $84,684 for the items.
The thefts were unrelated to the funeral home business operated by his father.