Former Harvard Morgue Manager Sentenced for Body Parts Theft

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community, the former manager of the morgue at Harvard Medical School has been sentenced to eight years in prison. Cedric Lodge, who managed the morgue for over 20 years, was convicted for stealing and selling body parts from cadavers that had been graciously donated for medical research.

The Sentencing Details

On December 17, 2025, a US District Judge in Pennsylvania delivered the sentence as a result of Lodge’s actions, which were described by prosecutors as deeply harmful to numerous families. They highlighted the emotional devastation experienced by relatives who were left pondering the fate of their loved ones’ remains.

The Crimes Committed

Lodge, 58, pleaded guilty to the crime of transporting stolen goods across state lines in May. It was revealed during the proceedings that he had taken various body parts—including heads, faces, brains, skin, and hands—from cadavers and transported them to his home in Goffstown, New Hampshire. Subsequently, he sold these stolen items to several individuals.

Involvement of Family Members

In a related case, Lodge’s wife, Denise, received a one-year prison sentence for her part in aiding the sale of the stolen organs and body parts. The couple sold the items to individuals, including two in Pennsylvania, who mainly resold them.

Prosecutors’ Response

Prosecutors had urged the presiding judge, Matthew Brann, to impose a 10-year maximum sentence, arguing that Lodge’s actions were not only shocking but also conducted for the dubious entertainment of a niche “oddities” community. Defense attorney Patrick Casey requested leniency but acknowledged the harm inflicted upon both the deceased and their grieving families.

Harvard Medical School’s Position

While Harvard Medical School has not yet released a statement regarding Lodge’s sentencing, they have previously condemned his actions as “abhorrent” and contrary to the values expected by the institution and the families of anatomical donors. In a notable development, a US court ruled in October that Harvard could face legal action from families of those who donated bodies—an affair that Chief Justice Scott L Kafker described as a “macabre scheme spanning several years.”

Conclusion

The case against Cedric Lodge serves as a somber reminder of ethical responsibilities in medical settings and the impact of violating the trust of families who contribute to research. As the judicial process continues, it maintains a spotlight on the serious implications and accountability within the medical community.