Texas Embalmer Accused of Mutilating Deceased Sex Offender

HOUSTON, TX – A Texas embalmer has been charged with abuse of a corpse after allegedly mutilating the body of a deceased man upon learning he was a registered sex offender, authorities said.

Amber Paige Laudermilk, 34, is accused of using a scalpel to cut off part of the man’s genitals and stuffing it into his mouth while working at Claire Brothers Funeral Home, which operates Memorial Mortuary and Crematory in Harris County, according to an arrest affidavit. The deceased, identified as 58-year-old Charles Roy Rodriguez, was convicted in 2008 of sexually assaulting a woman and was listed in the sex offender registry.

The funeral home director reported the alleged incident after employees witnessed Laudermilk’s actions on Feb. 7. One trainee told authorities that she instructed him, “You didn’t see anything.” When other employees later approached the body, Laudermilk allegedly covered the groin area with a sheet.

Harris County Constable Alan Rosen condemned the act, stating that “no matter what one thinks of his life, the law requires that he be treated with dignity in death.”

Laudermilk turned herself in to the Harris County Jail and posted a $5,000 bond. NBC affiliate KPRC reported that she no longer works at the facility, and state officials may seek to revoke her embalming license.