A person may not move, interfere with, or handle the body or the effects of a decedent subject to an investigation by the coroner or medical examiner except upon order of the coroner, medical examiner, assistant, or authorized investigator. The coroner or medical examiner shall take charge of the effects found on or near the body of a deceased person and dispose of them as directed under section 390.225. If a crime is suspected in connection with the death of a deceased person, the coroner or medical examiner may prevent any person, except law enforcement personnel, from entering the premises, rooms, or buildings, and shall have the custody of objects that the coroner or examiner deems material evidence in the case. The coroner or medical examiner shall release any property or articles needed for any criminal investigation to law enforcement officers conducting the investigation, except as noted in section 390.225, subdivision 2. A knowing violation of this section is a gross misdemeanor.
History:1980 c 509 s 147; 1985 c 265 art 7 s 1; 1986 c 444; 1995 c 189 s 8; 1996 c 277 s 1; 2006 c 260 art 8 s 15