Jonathan Gerlach human remains trafficking case
Jonathan Gerlach, 34, was arrested on January 6, 2026, in Ephrata, Pennsylvania, in connection with grave burglaries at Mount Moriah Cemetery, where he allegedly stole human remains. As of March 13, 2026, Gerlach's preliminary hearing for over 500 charges, including 100 counts of abuse of a corpse, was postponed at his defense team's request to review new evidence. Gerlach, held on $1 million bail, allegedly admitted to selling some remains online and keeping the majority in his basement, with investigators finding his DNA at a crime scene and evidence of social media posts featuring skulls. A separate retail theft charge was withdrawn on February 18, 2026, after he paid for the items. Jeremy Paulie, who pleaded guilty to trafficking human remains, described Gerlach's alleged actions as 'grave-robbing for greed,' noting over 100 skeleton sets and decaying torsos found in Gerlach's home.
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11 updatesJonathan 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.
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retail theft charge against Jonathan Gerlach, who is accused of stealing human remains from Mount Moriah Cemetery, was withdrawn on February 18, 2026, after he paid for the stolen items.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.
via inquirer.com
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.
via The Philadelphia Inquirer·courthousenews.com·cbsnews.com
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.
via Daily Voice
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
2025
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