by A former Harvard Medical School morgue manager has pleaded guilty to trafficking stolen human remains across state lines, exposing a disturbing black market that operated between 2018 and 2020.
Cedric Lodge, 57, admitted to stealing body parts intended for research and selling them to buyers in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Pennsylvania.
What Happened
Cedric Lodge, the former morgue manager at Harvard Medical School, pleaded guilty in federal court in Pennsylvania to the interstate transport of stolen human remains.
The scheme involved illegally harvesting body parts—such as brains, heads, skin, and other organs—from cadavers donated for medical research.
Lodge’s criminal activity spanned at least two years and included the help of his wife, Denise Lodge, and several co-conspirators.
Key Details
- Timeframe: 2018 through March 2020
- Location of Theft: Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Transportation: Lodge brought stolen remains to his home in New Hampshire
- Sales: Remains sold to individuals in Salem, MA; NH; and PA
- Platform Used: PayPal
- Total Known Payments: $37,355.56
Notable transactions included a $10,000 payment labeled “head number 7” and a $200 transfer marked “braiiiiiins.”
Buyers included Joshua Taylor and Jeremy Pauley, among others.
Reactions or Statements
Federal authorities described the case as part of a broader network involving illegal trafficking of human remains across state lines.
“This case reflects a horrifying betrayal of public trust by individuals who had access to donor bodies meant to advance medical science,” officials said in a press statement.
Investigation or What’s Next
Multiple individuals tied to the smuggling ring have already pleaded guilty.
| Name | Status | Sentencing Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Cedric Lodge | Pleaded guilty | Awaiting sentencing |
| Denise Lodge | Pleaded guilty | Awaiting sentencing |
| Joshua Taylor | Pleaded guilty | Awaiting sentencing |
| Matthew Lampi | Pleaded guilty | Sentenced to 15 months |
| Angelo Pereyra | Pleaded guilty | Sentenced to 18 months |
| Candace Chapman-Scott | Pleaded guilty (AR) | Sentenced to 15 years |
| Katrina Maclean | Federal case still ongoing | N/A |
FAQs
Who is Cedric Lodge?
He is the former morgue manager at Harvard Medical School who admitted to stealing and selling donated human remains.
What were the stolen items used for?
According to court records, they were sold for personal possession, not for medical research or education.
How were the remains sold?
Through personal deliveries and digital payment platforms like PayPal.
Are others involved?
Yes. At least six individuals have been charged, with most pleading guilty and some already sentenced.
Was Harvard Medical School involved?
There is no indication that the institution was aware or complicit in the crimes. The school was the source of the donated remains.
Summary / Final Takeaway
The guilty plea of Cedric Lodge marks a major development in a gruesome case involving the trafficking of human remains from Harvard Medical School.
Authorities continue to prosecute those involved in what they call a disturbing abuse of access and trust. The case also highlights the importance of oversight in body donation programs meant to support scientific advancement.
