Delaware County District Attorney Tanner Rouse announced charges have been filed against Jonathan Gerlach, 34, of Ephrata, Lancaster County. According to authorities, more than 100 full or partial sets of human and skeletal remains have been recovered from Gerlach’s home and storage unit in Ephrata. Police believe he may have been selling body parts online.
“Detectives walked into a horror movie come to life in that home. It is truly, in the most literal sense of the word, horrific. I grieve for those who are upset by this, who are going through this, who are trying to figure out if it is in fact one of their loved ones.” Said District Attorney Rouse.
Between November 7, 2025 and January 6, 2026, police responded to Mount Moriah Cemetery in Yeadon near Philadelphia numerous times in regards to a string of burglarized graves and mausoleums.
On January 6, 2026, detectives were conducting surveillance of the cemetery when they observed the suspect’s car with numerous bones and skulls in plain view in the back seat of the vehicle. Gerlach was then seen exiting the cemetery holding a burlap bag, crow bar and other assorted items. He was brought into custody where he reportedly admitted to stealing approximately 30 sets of human remains.
The remains range significantly in age, with some estimated to be over 200 years old, while others belonged to infants only a few months old.
A search warrant was issued and executed at his home in Ephrata where investigators say the found more human and skeletal remains.
While a definitive motive has not been established, investigators are looking into whether Gerlach was part of an online community that buys, sells, or trades human remains. Local reports suggest detectives are currently reviewing his social media activity and Facebook Marketplace history.
“Rest in peace is rest in peace,” said Yeadon Police Chief Henry Giammarco Jr. “This is definitely something that tears at your heartstrings.”
Gerlach is currently being held at the George W. Hill Correctional Facility on $1 million bail. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for January 20, 2026. Forensic experts are now working to identify the remains so they can be returned to their families and reinterred.
