CONCORD, N.H. (AP) – Authorities looking for records at an unlicensed crematorium Wednesday found an improperly stored body inside and medical waste in a trash bin outside.

Rockingham County Attorney Jim Reams said the Bayview crematorium in Seabrook has been operating without a state permit since 1999. It also had not been inspected by the state, which state law requires, he said, although it was registered to do business in the town.

“I find it baffling that this crematorium was open from 1999 ’til today and unlicensed, and nobody was aware of it or paying attention to it,” he said. “It’s inexplicable to me, and a little shocking, particularly in light of what we found there.”

Two news reports said the body was unrefrigerated; one said it was in a broken refrigeration unit.

State police Detective Jill Rockey said more than 1,000 bodies had been cremated at the facility, which was shut down Wednesday, she said.

“I think the cavalier manner in which the remains of people and the medical waste were treated is absolutely appalling,” Reams said.

“It’s clearly an area that needs serious review and reform.”

Reams identified the crematorium owner as Larry Stokes, who he said is believed to be on vacation in Florida.

The search stemmed from a state police investigation into Gene Nigro, a suspended county medical examiner indicted last year on charges that he kept prescription drugs from dead people and performed his job after being suspended.

Nigro’s trial is scheduled to start this summer, Reams said. He said more charges against him are possible.

Nigro’s responsibilities included approving cremations, Reams said. Records seized Wednesday showed the number of cremations, who signed off on them and when, he said.

“We’ll probably get more leads out of today,” Reams said.

Directory assistance had one unpublished listing for a G. Nigro.’

Greg Moore, a spokesman for the state Department of Health and Human Services, confirmed the lack of inspection records for Bayview. He said local officials or crematorium owners contact the department to arrange inspections.

“Our responsibility under the statute is to receive the plans and inspect the facility before it begins operation,” Moore said.