Former Harvard morgue manager jailed for selling body parts
A former morgue manager at Harvard Medical School has been sentenced to eight years in prison for stealing and selling human remains that were donated for scientific research, according to the United States Department of Justice.
Cedric Lodge, 58, pleaded guilty in May to trafficking human body parts between 2018 and at least March 2020. The stolen items included internal organs, brains, skin, hands, faces, and dissected heads.
Lodge was dismissed from his position at Harvard Medical School in May 2023.
Investigators revealed that Lodge, together with his wife, Denise Lodge, illegally removed body parts from the university’s morgue near Boston. The remains were transported to their home in Goffstown, New Hampshire, as well as other locations in Massachusetts and Pennsylvania, without the consent of Harvard, the donors, or their families. The items were later shipped to buyers across multiple states.
READ ALSO: Trump revokes Harvard’s ability to enroll foreign students
Denise Lodge, 65, was sentenced to one year in prison for her role in the scheme.
“This sentencing represents another important step in holding accountable those responsible for this disturbing and unethical crime,” said Wayne A. Jacobs, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Philadelphia Field Office.
Authorities stated that many of the body parts sold by Lodge were later resold by buyers for profit. Several individuals involved in purchasing the remains have already been sentenced, while others are still awaiting sentencing.
Follow the Neptune Prime channel on WhatsApp:
Do you have breaking news, interview request, opinion, suggestion, or want your event covered? Email us at neptuneprime2233@gmail.com
