Abuse of a dead human body is a felony in Vermont beginning next month.

The new law – spurred by the grisly murder of an elderly Enosburg woman last summer – establishes a maximum five-year prison sentence and or $5,000 max fine for individuals who intentionally “burn, mutilate, disfigure, dismember or destroy” a human corpse without legal authorization.

The law, known as Act 30, also increases the penalties for abusing a corpse with the intention to conceal a crime or avoid criminal punishment, as well increases the penalties for sexually abusing a dead body. People who commit either crime will be subject to up to 15 years in prison and or a $10,000 maximum fine.

Gov. Phil Scott signed the bill into law on May 22. Act 30 goes into effect on July 1.

Roberta Martin: The woman behind t

See Full Page