A 34-year-old man in Pennsylvania is facing nearly 500 charges following police discoveries that he allegedly stole human remains from multiple gravesites.
Investigators apprehended Jonathan Gerlach of Ephrata near historic Mount Moriah Cemetery and Arboretum in Yeadon, where they found him carrying a burlap bag and crowbar. Police reported that Gerlach was discovered with what appeared to be the remains of two children in the bag.
Upon searching his vehicle, law enforcement discovered “numerous bones and skulls in plain view in the back seat.” Authorities indicate Gerlach allegedly admitted to stealing remains from over 30 grave sites across Pennsylvania. Police conducted searches of his home and storage unit, uncovering additional evidence of the crimes.
“Detectives walked into a horror movie come to life in that home,” said Delaware County District Attorney Tanner Rouse at a press conference. “It is truly, in the most literal sense of the word, horrific.”
Judy Prichard McCleary, whose great-grandfather’s 1915 mausoleum was broken into and from which remains were stolen, shared her distress: “It just made me sick to my stomach to think anyone would want to do that. To be able to sell body parts on the internet just appalls me, and I just think it should be stopped.”
Law enforcement sources confirmed Gerlach was part of a Facebook group where human remains were allegedly sold and purchased online. While some burglary charges were dropped against Gerlach, he faces additional charges from other counties. He has been granted bail of $1 million and is held at the George W. Hill Correctional Facility.
