EPHRATA, PENNSYLVANIA, USA – JANUARY 6, 2026 Thirty-four-year-old Jonathan Gerlach was arrested after police discovered a large number of human remains in his possession during an investigation into a series of mausoleum break-ins. The case began with an investigation into repeated damage to graves and mausoleums at the historic Mount Moriah Cemetery near Philadelphia, where police recorded several cases of disturbed burial sites since November 2025.

Jonathan Gerlach

Investigators stated that while surveilling the cemetery on January 6, 2026, they spotted Gerlach’s vehicle, inside which human bones and skulls were visible. When the man later returned to the car carrying a bag, a crowbar, and other equipment, police detained him. According to investigators, he later admitted to stealing approximately 30 sets of human remains.

During a subsequent search of his home in Ephrata and a storage unit, police found more than 100 complete or partial human remains. The discovered items reportedly included skulls, long bones, mummified body parts, and other remains. Some of the remains came from very old graves, while others were reportedly much more recent. Authorities said that some remains may have also originated from other cemeteries outside the Philadelphia area.

Police allege that Gerlach entered old mausoleums and underground burial chambers, from where he removed human remains. The investigation also focused on his online activity, where he was allegedly connected to groups involved in the collecting and trading of human bones. According to some documents, he may have also sold some of the remains, although this is part of the allegations and will be addressed in court proceedings.

Gerlach faces hundreds of charges, including abuse of human remains, theft, burglary, trespassing, and damage to burial sites. Authorities continue investigating to determine the exact origin of all recovered remains and whether there are additional locations he may have damaged. Under the American legal system, Jonathan Gerlach is currently only accused, and his guilt has not yet been proven in court.

The case sparked strong public reaction because Mount Moriah Cemetery is a historically significant burial ground, and many families fear that their loved ones may be among the recovered remains. For relatives of the deceased, such acts represent not only theft but also a profound violation of the memory and dignity of those who have passed away.

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Pennsylvania man robbed graves and kept remains at home

Torture