Jonathan Gerlach grave robbing case

Reference TimelineLast updated
SUMMARY

Jonathan Gerlach faces new burglary charges from Lancaster and Luzerne counties, with four charges related to Mount Moriah Cemetery dismissed, as his case advances to Delaware County Court after he waived his preliminary hearing on July 9, 2026. As of July 9, 2026: Gerlach's case is moving toward a pre-trial conference, following his waiver of formal arraignment on June 3, 2026. He is accused of stealing over 100 sets of human remains from Mount Moriah Cemetery between November 2025 and January 2026, and selling them online, facing 574 charges including 100 counts of abuse of a corpse. Gerlach remains in custody on $1 million bail.

Timeline

Want updates on this thread?

Track this story

July 2026 — 1 developments

June 2026 — 1 developments

April 2026 — 3 developments

  1. Jonathan Gerlach faces new charges for grave burglaries in Lancaster and Luzerne counties

    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 charged with additional grave burglaries in Lancaster, Luzerne counties

    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 Waives Hearing, Faces Summer Trial for Cemetery Grave Robberies

    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 prepare more charges against Jonathan Gerlach for grave robberies; hearing postponed

    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. Jonathan Gerlach Accused of Stealing Over 100 Sets of Human Remains from Mount Moriah Cemetery

    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 Postponed 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. Jonathan Gerlach's retail theft charge for stealing human remains withdrawn after payment

    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 — 10 developments

  1. Jonathan Gerlach Accused of Stealing Human Remains from Cemetery, Faces 574 Charges

    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. Jonathan Gerlach linked to grave thefts at Mount Moriah Cemetery by DNA and social media

    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.

  4. Jeremy Paulie describes Gerlach's alleged actions as 'grave-robbing for greed'

    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 express anger over Mount Moriah Cemetery security, question local government effectiveness

    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. Gerlach accused of stealing and selling human remains, including historical figures, from mausoleums

    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. Jonathan Gerlach's home search uncovers eight corpses, more human remains; admits to selling remains online

    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. Jonathan Gerlach arrested for stealing human remains from 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. Gerlach faces 574 charges, including abuse of corpse and theft, linked to bone sales

    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.