TCA 39-17-312
Abuse of corpse
What does this charge mean?
Abuse of a corpse is illegally mistreating, disturbing, or disrespecting a dead body in ways that would offend a reasonable person. This includes physically mistreating human remains, digging up a buried body, disposing of a corpse in violation of law, engaging in sexual contact with a corpse, or buying or selling previously buried skeletal remains. A violation is a Class E felony punishable by 1 to 6 years in jail and a fine up to $3,000.
Penalty Details
(a) A person commits an offense who, without legal privilege, knowingly: (1) Physically mistreats a corpse in a manner offensive to the sensibilities of an ordinary person; (2) Disinters a corpse that has been buried or otherwise interred; (3) Disposes of a corpse in a manner known to be in violation of law; or (4) Engages in sexual contact, as defined in § 39-13-501, with a corpse. (b) A person commits an offense who, without legal authority or privilege, knowingly offers to sell, sells, offers to purchase or purchases previously buried human skeletal remains. Any remains seized in violation of this subsection (b) shall be confiscated and subject to disposition as provided for in §§ 11-6-104 and 11-6-119. (c) A violation of this section is a Class E felony.
Recent Bookings with this Charge
View allRichard Long
Knox Co. · Feb 26, 2026
Gregory Tanner
Shelby Co. · Feb 20, 2026

Kyle Hickox
McMinn Co. · Aug 23, 2024
ROSA TORRES
Davidson Co. · Aug 4, 2024
DOMINIC COLLIER
Davidson Co. · Jan 25, 2024
FRANKIE JONES
Davidson Co. · Jan 18, 2024
KEVIN CASTRO-GARCIA
Davidson Co. · Oct 10, 2023
Zachary Hayes
Blount Co. · Sep 9, 2023