Jonathan Gerlach grave robbing case

Reference TimelineLast updated APR 18
SUMMARY

Jonathan Gerlach, accused of grave robbing, faces new charges for burglarizing graves in Lancaster and Luzerne counties as of April 18, 2026, expanding the existing case that began with incidents at Mount Moriah Cemetery. As of April 18, 2026: Plea deal negotiations are ongoing, and law enforcement is examining his social media activity for motive, suggesting he may have been involved in selling bones. Gerlach was charged with additional grave burglaries on April 17, 2026, and remains in jail without bail. He previously waived his preliminary hearing on April 17, 2026, advancing his case toward a summer trial, facing over 500 charges related to alleged grave robberies at Mount Moriah Cemetery between November 2025 and January 2026. Gerlach, 34, is accused of stealing dozens of human remains, including over 100 sets, and faces 574 charges, including 100 counts of abuse of a corpse, and is held on $1 million bail.

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April 2026 — 3 developments

  1. Jonathan Gerlach faces new charges for burglarizing graves in Lancaster and Luzerne counties, expanding the existing case.

    Jonathan Gerlach faces new charges for burglarizing graves in Lancaster and Luzerne counties, expanding the existing case. Plea deal negotiations are ongoing, and law enforcement is examining his social media activity for motive, suggesting he may have been involved in selling bones.

  2. Jonathan Gerlach was charged with additional grave burglaries in Lancaster and Luzerne counties on A…

    Jonathan Gerlach was charged with additional grave burglaries in Lancaster and Luzerne counties on April 17, 2026, expanding the existing case that began with incidents at Mount Moriah Cemetery. He appeared for a preliminary court hearing where these new charges were filed and remains in jail without bail.

  3. Jonathan Gerlach waived his preliminary hearing on April 17, 2026, advancing his case toward a summer trial.

    Jonathan Gerlach waived his preliminary hearing on April 17, 2026, advancing his case toward a summer trial. He faces over 500 charges related to alleged grave robberies at Mount Moriah Cemetery between November 2025 and January 2026. Gerlach remains in custody on $1 million bail.

March 2026 — 3 developments

  1. Prosecutors are preparing additional charges against Jonathan Gerlach, who is accused of grave robbe…

    Prosecutors are preparing additional charges against Jonathan Gerlach, who is accused of grave robberies at Mount Moriah Cemetery, as investigators have linked him to more disturbed graves. His preliminary hearing has been postponed to April 17th due to newly discovered information. Proposed legislation aims to make the theft and sale of human remains a felony.

  2. Authorities allege Jonathan Gerlach used tools like crowbars and ladders to access historic mausoleums and crypts at Mount Moriah Cemetery, stealing over 100 sets of human remains.

    Authorities allege Jonathan Gerlach used tools like crowbars and ladders to access historic mausoleums and crypts at Mount Moriah Cemetery, stealing over 100 sets of human remains. The Yeadon Police Department and Delaware County CID are leading the investigation, working to identify the recovered remains and return them to families who have reported disturbed burial sites. Security improvements for the cemetery are being considered.

  3. Jonathan Gerlach's preliminary hearing was postponed on March 13, 2026, at his defense team's request to review new evidence.

    Jonathan Gerlach's preliminary hearing was postponed on March 13, 2026, at his defense team's request to review new evidence. Gerlach faces over 500 charges related to alleged grave and mausoleum burglaries. The postponement allows for the examination of newly discovered evidence.

February 2026 — 1 developments

  1. A retail theft charge against Jonathan Gerlach, who is accused of stealing human remains from Mount …

    A retail theft charge against Jonathan Gerlach, who is accused of stealing human remains from Mount Moriah Cemetery, was withdrawn on February 18, 2026, after he paid for the stolen items. Gerlach still faces numerous charges related to the grave burglaries, including abuse of corpse and desecration.

January 2026 — 9 developments

  1. Jonathan Gerlach, 34, is accused of stealing dozens of human remains from Mount Moriah Cemetery and faces 574 charges, including 100 counts of abuse of a corpse.

    Jonathan Gerlach, 34, is accused of stealing dozens of human remains from Mount Moriah Cemetery and faces 574 charges, including 100 counts of abuse of a corpse. He is scheduled to appear in court in March and is being held on $1 million bail. Gerlach allegedly admitted to selling some remains online and keeping the majority in his basement, with evidence including an Instagram account where he shared photos of skulls and skeletons since 2023.

  2. New court documents reveal Jonathan Gerlach's DNA, found on a discarded drink can at a crime scene, has linked him to grave thefts at Mount Moriah Cemetery.

    New court documents reveal Jonathan Gerlach's DNA, found on a discarded drink can at a crime scene, has linked him to grave thefts at Mount Moriah Cemetery. Investigators also found his social media accounts showed involvement in online groups selling human remains. Gerlach is accused of stealing over 100 human bodies and skeletal remains.

  3. Gerlach's preliminary hearing was tentatively scheduled for this date in Delaware County.

    Gerlach's preliminary hearing was tentatively scheduled for this date in Delaware County. The outcome of this hearing would determine if the case would proceed to trial.

  4. A separate case involving Jeremy Paulie, who pleaded guilty to trafficking human remains, was mentioned in relation to Gerlach's case.

    A separate case involving Jeremy Paulie, who pleaded guilty to trafficking human remains, was mentioned in relation to Gerlach's case. Paulie described Gerlach's alleged actions as 'grave-robbing for greed' and noted the availability of human remains on the market. Gerlach's home was described as containing over 100 skeleton sets, hanging skulls, and decaying torsos.

  5. Families of individuals buried at Mount Moriah Cemetery began to speak out, expressing anger and sadness.

    Families of individuals buried at Mount Moriah Cemetery began to speak out, expressing anger and sadness. They called for improved security at the cemetery and questioned the effectiveness of local government in protecting such grounds. Some social media accounts linked to Gerlach reportedly showed human skulls on display.

  6. Court documents revealed Gerlach's alleged plot to steal and sell human remains online.

    Court documents revealed Gerlach's alleged plot to steal and sell human remains online. Investigators found evidence of him mailing human remains and discovered social media posts featuring skulls. Police stated Gerlach forced open mausoleums and burial vaults, stealing remains that included those of historical figures.

  7. Investigators searched Jonathan Gerlach's Ephrata, Pennsylvania home and a storage locker, discovering additional human remains and eight corpses.

    Investigators searched Jonathan Gerlach's Ephrata, Pennsylvania home and a storage locker, discovering additional human remains and eight corpses. Gerlach has reportedly admitted to selling some of the stolen human remains online. The investigation into grave burglaries at Mount Moriah Cemetery is ongoing.

  8. Authorities arrested Jonathan Gerlach on January 6, 2026, in connection with grave burglaries at Mount Moriah Cemetery.

    Authorities arrested Jonathan Gerlach on January 6, 2026, in connection with grave burglaries at Mount Moriah Cemetery. Detectives observed Gerlach's vehicle with human remains and later saw him leaving the cemetery with a crowbar. Gerlach admitted to stealing approximately 30 sets of human remains, and a search of his home and storage unit uncovered more evidence.

  9. More details emerged regarding the extensive charges filed against Gerlach, totaling 574 counts.

    More details emerged regarding the extensive charges filed against Gerlach, totaling 574 counts. These include 100 counts of abuse of a corpse, 100 counts of theft, 26 counts of burglary, and 26 counts of intentional desecration of a public monument. Police were also investigating a Facebook group titled 'Human Bones and Skull Selling Group' and an Instagram account linked to Gerlach that allegedly showed images of skulls for sale.