ORANGE CITY, FL – A Florida shop owner faces legal trouble after allegedly selling real human remains at her curio store. Kymberlee Schopper, 52, a proprietor of Wicked Wonderland, is accused of trading in human bones, contravening state laws.
The matter surfaced when local law enforcement received a tip-off in December 2023. The initial alert came from a suspicious local who noticed human bone fragments being advertised on the store’s Facebook Marketplace page. This prompted an investigation into the store’s eerie inventory.
Documents obtained from the Orange City Police allege that Schopper presented the bones as “educational models,” purportedly with documentation to validate their legality. However, law enforcement contends that selling human remains is illegal in Florida, regardless of intent or origin.
During the investigation, officers discovered a variety of items priced for sale, including human skull fragments and a partial skull, ranging from $35 to $600. Schopper’s business partner, Ashley Lelesi, reportedly admitted to police that the shop had been selling human bones for years, unaware of the legal implications.
Lelesi, while cooperating with the investigation, was unable to immediately provide documentation for all transactions involving the human remains. Confident that the merchandise was authentic, she described the bones as delicate in nature and stressed they were acquired legally from private vendors.
Despite claims of legality, Schopper faces serious charges. Her arrest followed a lengthy investigation, culminating in charges for the illegal purchase or sale of human tissue, categorized as a felony offense. She was taken into custody at Volusia County Jail and released on bond, pending arraignment.
The confiscated bones underwent examination at the Volusia County Medical Examiner’s Office. Initial findings suggest the remains could be archaeological specimens, with some fragments estimated to be between 100 and 500 years old.
Although the investigation primarily focuses on Schopper, authorities also indicated that Lelesi could face impending charges. The incident has stirred debate regarding the sale of human remains and the antique business in general.
The arraignment scheduled for May 1 will determine the next phase of legal proceedings for Schopper. Meanwhile, local authorities continue to stress the importance of legal compliance in businesses dealing with unique and historical items.