Man accused of stealing skeletal remains from gravesites faces new charges

Authorities say Jonathan Gerlach broke into mausoleums and gravesites to collect and sell skeletons online.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 7:09pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a human skull fragment or bone against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually illustrating the disturbing discovery of stolen skeletal remains from local gravesites.The grim discovery of stolen skeletal remains from local gravesites exposes the disturbing reality of grave robbing and the illegal trade in human remains.Philadelphia Today

A 34-year-old man named Jonathan Gerlach has been accused of stealing more than 100 skeletal remains from local cemeteries in Pennsylvania, including the historic Mount Moriah Cemetery and a cemetery in Luzerne County. Gerlach was arrested in January with human skulls and bones in his car, and more remains found in his home and a storage locker. He has now been charged with two additional burglary charges, one for Luzerne County and one for Lancaster County.

Why it matters

The theft and desecration of human remains from gravesites and mausoleums is a deeply disturbing crime that violates the sanctity of the dead and causes immense distress for the families and loved ones of the deceased. This case has sparked outrage in the local community and raised concerns about cemetery security and the illegal trade in human remains.

The details

Authorities say Gerlach got the bones by breaking into mausoleums and large gravesites at Mount Moriah Cemetery as well as a cemetery in Luzerne County. He allegedly posted about collecting and selling skeletons on Instagram. Four burglary charges were initially dropped after prosecutors said the mausoleums at Mount Moriah were not broken into, but two new burglary charges have been added - one for Luzerne County and one for Lancaster County.

  • In January, Gerlach was arrested near the historic Mount Moriah Cemetery.
  • Last month, his preliminary hearing was postponed after he did not show up at the Delaware County Courthouse.
  • On Friday, Gerlach waived his preliminary hearing at the Delaware County Courthouse.

The players

Jonathan Gerlach

A 34-year-old man accused of stealing more than 100 skeletal remains from local cemeteries in Pennsylvania, including the historic Mount Moriah Cemetery and a cemetery in Luzerne County.

Judy Pritchard McCleary

A relative of a person whose remains were taken from the mausoleum at Mount Moriah Cemetery. She said she will continue to show up and make sure justice is served.

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What they’re saying

“It just made me sick in my stomach to think anybody would want to do that.”

— Judy Pritchard McCleary, Relative of person whose remains were taken

“I don't believe my relatives were there. I believe their souls are in heaven, but I still think it's disruptive. And when you die, and you're buried, you should be left alone.”

— Judy Pritchard McCleary, Relative of person whose remains were taken

What’s next

A formal arraignment for Jonathan Gerlach is scheduled for June 3.

The takeaway

This disturbing case highlights the need for stronger security measures and legal protections to prevent the desecration of gravesites and the illegal trade in human remains. It also underscores the immense emotional trauma and distress caused to the families of the deceased when their loved ones' final resting places are violated.