Six people were indicted Wednesday for running a nationwide network to buy and sell bodies obtained from university morgues, according to the United States Attorney’s Office for the Central District of Pennsylvania (USAO).
The USAO said a federal grand jury had indicted six people on charges of conspiracy and interstate transportation of stolen goods. press release. another individual, candice chapman scottwas indicted in the Eastern District of Arkansas in April.
#preliminary report: today, #FBI Boston Special Agents arrested Cedric Lodge, who ran the facility. @harvard med Dennis Lodge Mortuary in Goffstown, New Hampshire and Katrina McLean in Salem, Massachusetts, accused of trafficking stolen bodies.learn more @FBI Philadelphia @MDPAnews: https://t.co/5XBjaOS6x5
— FBI Boston (@FBIBoston) June 14, 2023
One of them, Cedric Lodge, was in charge of the morgue’s administration. Harvard University According to a press release, Lodge participated in the medical school’s anatomy gift program and allegedly abused the position from 2018 to 2022. Shortly before the scheduled cremation, Mr. Lodge stole organs and body parts from corpses donated for medical research and educational purposes, according to a press release.
Lodge allegedly took the stolen bodies to his home in Goffstown, New Hampshire, where he and his wife, Dennis Lodge, sold them in various ways. Social media Regarding the platform, the press release continued. According to the USAO, he also granted specific individuals access to Harvard University’s morgue so they could select the corpses they wanted to purchase. Those individuals have been identified as Katrina McLean and Joshua Taylor.
According to a press release, Jeremy Pauley, who is said to have operated an extensive network of interested clients, plans to purchase the stolen remains from the lodges. (Related: Man sentenced for stealing over $64,000 from Food Lion store)
“Some crimes go against understanding,” said federal attorney Gerald M. Callum. “Body theft and human trafficking challenge the very essence of what makes us human.”
“It is particularly egregious that many of the victims here have volunteered to have their remains used to further the education of medical professionals and the benefits of science and healing,” Karam continued. rice field. “It’s appalling that they and their families are being used for profit.”
“Defendants violated the trust of the deceased and his family in the name of greed,” said FBI Special Agent Jacqueline Maguire. “While today’s indictments will not undo the immense pain this heinous crime has caused, the FBI will continue to work tirelessly to ensure justice is served.”
The maximum penalty under federal law is 15 years in prison, followed by supervised release and a fine. After conviction, a judge will determine the sentence, according to a press release.
