Grosse Pointe man begs for prison release due to COVID-19 fears -- but refuses vaccine

[marmar]

(Detroit Free Press) Convicted cadaver dealer Arthur Rathburn is pleading for compassionate release from prison citing fears of contracting the coronavirus — though the government says that's hogwash.

The Grosse Pointe Park businessman has refused to take a COVID-19 vaccine, prosecutors noted in a court filing Wednesday as they push to keep him locked up.

Prosecutors have cited several reasons for keeping Rathburn behind bars, including:

* A generalized fear of contracting the coronavirus doesn't justify compassionate release.
* He doesn't have a recognized chronic condition that puts him at an increased risk of severe illness from the virus.
* He won't follow social-distancing rules and could sicken others if released.
* He has never shown remorse for his crimes.

Still, Rathburn, a onetime prominent cadaver expert who built a $13-million empire cutting up bodies with chainsaws and renting their parts to medical researchers, is pleading for mercy. He wants U.S. District Judge Paul Borman to cut short his 9-year prison sentence and let him live in home confinement with a cousin in White Pigeon. ..............(more)

https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/detroit/2021/05/05/arthur-rathburn-covid-prisoner-vaccine/4956315001/

[marble falls]

1. Take your vaccine, Maynard, and we'll talk. How hard is it?