More Arrests Possible in the Racketeering Investigation of Assisted Suicide Network
As part of an investigation into suspicions that the 2008 death of 58-year-old John Celmer was an assisted suicide, Georgia Bureau of Investigation set up a sting operation at a Decatur residence aimed at members of the Final Exit Network. Members of Final Exit, known as “Exit Guides” were believed to provide assistance with helium-induced suicides using methods that were confirmed by GBI agents during the sting operation.
Agents arrested 76-year-old Claire Blehr or Atlanta and 63-year-old Thomas Goodwin of Punta Gorda and Kennesaw Wednesday. Warrants were also issued for Dr. Lawrence Egbert, 81, and Nicholas Alec Sheridan, 60, of Baltimore, who turned themselves in to authorities in Forsyth County Monday afternoon. All four individuals are charged with Assisted Suicide, Tampering with Evidence, and violation of the Georgia Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act. All four individuals have posted bond. If convicted on all counts, each could face up to 18 years in prison.
Following the arrests in Georgia, the GBI is assisting law enforcement from other states, including Florida, Maryland, Michigan, Ohio, Missouri, Colorado, and Montana, who began executing search warrants and conducting interviews to gather further evidence in the Final Exit Network investigation. The GBI states that as the investigation continues, other arrests are possible.
