Neomorts by Jane Orient & Linda Wright

Author:Jane Orient & Linda Wright [Orient, Jane & Wright, Linda]
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Tags: Mystery, Action & Adventure, Medical, Thriller & Suspense, Romance, Genre Fiction, Thriller, Literature & Fiction, Mystery; Thriller & Suspense
Amazon: B006M3CGNS
Published: 2011-12-13T05:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 18

“ORGAN DETECTIVE” CAUGHT

Special to the MetroReport

Suspected organ broker Maximilian Lowell Edgerton was arraigned today in federal court in Miami on charges of tax fraud.

Edgerton, who resides in the Bahamas, has been under suspicion for some time as the mastermind of an offshore organ brokering operation. The so–called “Organ Detective” is believed to have brokered hundreds of kidney transplants, “importing” donors from all over the world. Numerous US citizens have visited the Bahamas as “tourists” while wait–listed for kidney transplantation. None of them have subsequently been transplanted at an accredited US facility. Some have failed to respond to a notification that a donor was available, and others requested to have their names removed from the list. It is believed that all have discontinued dialysis, although it is difficult to be certain because some were on home dialysis treatment.

The “Organ Detective’s” facility also is believed to be a source of corneas, bone grafts, heart valves, cadaver skin, and other tissues, probably obtained illegally from US mortuaries. It probably serves as a source of supply for affluent patients jumping the queue for tissue grafts.

Because the operations were conducted outside the US, it is doubtful that charges can be brought for arranging them. However, the spider at the center of a web of international intrigue might be brought to justice—of a kind—because of failure to report income earned from US sources both before and after his hasty departure for the islands. Despite his lengthy absence from the country, Edgerton has never renounced his US citizenship. FBI agents, patiently awaiting his return, apprehended him shortly after he entered the US.

Dr. Bernard Malleus, Chairperson of Transplantation Surgery at First National Hospital, stated that tens of millions of dollars have been drained from health care facilities in the US by offshore operations.

“This loss does impact our ability to provide service to patients who do not selfishly try to jump the queue, and of course affects the poor more severely than the rich,” Malleus said. “The FTR system is designed to be equitable. But some persons use their financially advantaged position to benefit themselves at the expense of others who may be sicker or better able to benefit from a transplant.

“This reprehensible practice must be stopped, by whatever means are available, for the protection of all our patients, including even those who subject themselves to the dubious surgical talents of these offshore profiteers.”

The brokering operations might also serve as a source of funding for advocacy groups such as the Committee for Private Property Rights, Malleus said.

“These pressure groups have hindered progress in the field of transplantation. Profit is their only concern.”

* * *

SUSPECTED ORGAN BROKER ARRESTED

by Sibyl Black

Special to The Eye

Maximilian Lowell Edgerton, believed by some to be the man known as the “Organ Detective,” is being held in Miami, incommunicado and without bail. He was apprehended by federal agents as he was leaving the bedside of his daughter, who is under treatment for cancer at Second National Hospital of Miami.

Francisco Reynaldo, Edgerton’s attorney, stated that the

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