Court Documents Unveil Grave Robber’s Months-Long Human Remains Plot in Pennsylvania

Authorities in Pennsylvania have uncovered a troubling series of crimes involving grave robbing at Mount Moriah Cemetery in Yeadon. A man named Jonathan Gerlach, 34, faces over 500 criminal charges tied to this months-long operation, which began in early November and continued into December 2026.

Details of the Grave Robbing Operation

The investigation revealed that Gerlach systematically targeted both above-ground mausoleums and underground burial vaults. Starting on November 7, the first burglary was reported when the Friends of Mount Moriah, a volunteer group, alerted Yeadon Borough police about extensive damage in the Hunter family mausoleum.

Inside this mausoleum, cinderblocks were smashed, marble flooring was destroyed, and crypts were disturbed. A rope apparatus discovered at the scene indicated Gerlach may have rappelled down approximately 10 feet to access the crypts.

Additional Burglary Incidents

As the weeks progressed, more incidents were recorded. Court documents indicated that several mausoleums suffered damage, including:

• The Jonathan Prichard family mausoleum, where five of nine crypts were compromised.
• Damage was also observed at the Frank Charlton family mausoleum, although no entry was found.

In another theft in Plains Township, police discovered human remains wrapped in plastic outside a damaged mausoleum. Forensic evidence linked this incident to the ongoing crimes at Mount Moriah.

Scale of the Crime

By December 20, authorities reported that four additional underground vaults were burglarized in one day, with multiple sets of remains missing from the Slack, Ogden, McCullough, and Louber family plots. Investigators believe that dozens of human remains have been stolen throughout this spree.

Connecting Gerlach to the Crimes

Investigators uncovered evidence of Gerlach’s online activities, which included selling human remains. Posts in a group for selling bones showcased him posing with skulls and discussing sales involving human parts. This alarming online behavior linked him directly to the grave robbing.

Law enforcement tracked Gerlach through vehicle and phone records. On January 6, they recognized his vehicle parked near Mount Moriah. Surveillance continued, and shortly thereafter, police arrested him while retrieving a burlap bag containing bones.

Discovery of Remains

Following his arrest, police executed search warrants at Gerlach’s residence and a storage unit in Lancaster County. They recovered over 100 human skulls, long bones, and various body parts. A total of eight corpses, alongside ashes and personal items believed to have been taken from graves, were discovered at the storage unit.

Community Reactions and Ongoing Investigation

As investigations continue, Yeadon Police Chief Henry Giammarco emphasized the horror of the situation. “In my 30-year career, this is one of the most horrific things I’ve encountered,” he remarked, highlighting the emotional toll on families with relatives interred at the cemetery.

The process of identifying victims is complicated due to outdated burial records. Authorities are working diligently to notify affected families. Giammarco stated, “The remains, they’re so old, but they had lives that mattered.”

Anyone concerned about family members buried at Mount Moriah Cemetery is encouraged to reach out to Yeadon Borough Police. The investigation remains active as authorities seek to ensure justice is served.