A Detroit-area man has turned down a plea deal and will go to trial in an investigation of diseased body parts used for medical training.
Arthur Rathburn's lawyer told a judge Tuesday that he's declined to plead guilty in exchange for a prison sentence of four to five years.
The stakes are high: Rathburn could face at least 14 years in prison if convicted at trial, which starts Jan. 4 in Detroit federal court. He rented out body parts for medical or dental training.
It's a legitimate business. But prosecutors say Rathburn told customers that the body parts were disease-free when they actually had tested positive for hepatitis B and HIV.
Rathburn is accused of fraud, making false statements and transporting hazardous materials. His ex-wife likely will testify against him.
