Minnesota § 609.502 - INTERFERENCE WITH DEAD BODY; REPORTING
Full text of Minnesota Minnesota Statutes § 609.502 — INTERFERENCE WITH DEAD BODY; REPORTING, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 609.502. INTERFERENCE WITH DEAD BODY; REPORTING
Subdivision 1.Concealing evidence.
A person is guilty of a crime and may be sentenced under subdivision 1a if the person interferes with the body or scene of death with intent to:
(1) conceal the body;
(2) conceal evidence; or
(3) otherwise mislead the coroner or medical examiner.
Subd. 1a.Penalty.
A person convicted under subdivision 1, clause (2) or (3), is guilty of a gross misdemeanor. A person convicted under subdivision 1, clause (1), may be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than three years or to a payment of a fine of not more than $5,000 or both.
Subd. 2.Failure to report.
(a) A person in charge of a cemetery who has knowledge that the body of a deceased person interred in the cemetery has been unlawfully removed shall:
(1) immediately report the occurrence to local law enforcement authorities; and
(2) inform the next of kin of the deceased person, if known, within three business days of the discovery of the body's removal unless the person making the report has been instructed in writing by law enforcement authorities that informing the next of kin would compromise an active law enforcement investigation.
(b) A person who violates paragraph (a), clause (1) or (2), is guilty of a misdemeanor.
History:
1976 c 257 s 2; 1990 c 402 s 2; 2016 c 175 s 1,2
Official Publication of the State of Minnesota
Revisor of Statutes
Source: official Minnesota text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Minnesota § 609.502
What does Minnesota Statutes § 609.502 cover?
Section 609.502 ("INTERFERENCE WITH DEAD BODY; REPORTING") is part of the Minnesota Statutes, the codified statutory law of Minnesota. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Minnesota § 609.502?
A common citation format is "Minnesota Statutes § 609.502" (Minnesota). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Minnesota law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Minnesota official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Minnesota attorney.
How does Minnesota § 609.502 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Minnesota can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Minnesota.