Former Harvard Medical School morgue manager pleads guilty to trafficking body parts donated for research
Cedric Lodge, 57, who served as the morgue manager at one of America’s most prestigious medical schools until 2023, has pleaded guilty to trafficking human remains, The New York Times reports.
Lodge was responsible for overseeing the cremation of bodies donated to Harvard Medical School after their use in research. However, a large-scale federal investigation revealed that from around 2018 until his dismissal in 2023, he had been stealing body parts — including brains, skin, and bones — and selling them to collectors across several U.S. states.
Authorities say Lodge was part of a broader criminal network that included several individuals, among them his wife. Prosecutors revealed that in some cases, he even invited buyers into the morgue so they could select the body parts they wanted. The illegal trade brought him thousands of dollars.
On April 18, Cedric Lodge pleaded guilty to one count that carries a maximum sentence of up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. As part of the plea deal, conspiracy charges will no longer be pursued against him.
Prosecutors have recommended a sentence below the maximum, but the final decision will be made by the court at a later date.
In total, six out of seven individuals involved in the body parts trafficking network have been charged. All but one have either pleaded guilty or agreed to cooperate with investigators.
Dean of Harvard Medical School, George Daley, condemned the actions of former employee Cedric Lodge.
“Cedric Lodge’s criminal acts were morally reprehensible and betrayed the trust of those who altruistically chose to donate their bodies to Harvard Medical School for the advancement of education and research.
While Lodge has agreed to plead guilty and take responsibility for his crimes, this is likely to bring little comfort to the families of the victims. We continue to extend our deepest sympathies to them,” the university official stated.
Earlier in the U.S., a couple who owned a funeral home pleaded guilty to the abuse of 191 deceased individuals. They took money for burial services, but instead left the bodies to decompose and gave families concrete mix in place of ashes.
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