Harvard scandal: former morgue manager traded in human remains
30 May 06:16
Former Harvard Medical School morgue manager Cedric Lodge is at the center of a scandal after pleading guilty to stealing and selling body parts from donor cadavers. This was reported by ABC News, "Komersant Ukrainian" informs
cedric Lodge, 57, of Goffstown, New Hampshire, pleaded guilty to transporting stolen human remains. This was reported by the US Department of Justice after a court hearing held on May 28, 2025.
While working at the morgue, he “removed human remains, including organs, brains, skin, hands, faces, dissected heads, and other parts, from donated cadavers after they had been used for research and teaching purposes but before they could be disposed of in accordance with the anatomical parts donation agreement between the donor and the school.”
The crimes took place between 2018 and at least March 2023.
Lodge transported the stolen remains to his home, where he and his wife Denise Lodge sold them to buyers in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Pennsylvania. According to the prosecution, the amount of the transactions reached tens of thousands of dollars.
The maximum penalty Lodge faces is up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Harvard’s response
Harvard Medical School fired Cedric Lodge in May 2023 after it became aware of his actions.
In a statement, university officials called his actions “disgusting betrayal” and “morally unacceptable.”
They also emphasized that Lodge acted alone, without the knowledge or cooperation of other employees of the institution.
Involvement of others
In addition to Cedric Lodge, several other people are involved in the case, who also pleaded guilty to interstate transportation of stolen human remains.
In particular, Denise Lodge, the defendant’s wife, is awaiting sentencing.
Cedric Lodge’s lawyer refused to comment on the case.
