Harvard Morgue Manager Pleads Guilty to Trafficking Human Remains in Disturbing Scandal

By Newspot Nigeria Global Desk

Massachusetts, USA – In a chilling revelation that has shocked the academic and medical community, Cedric Lodge, the former manager of the Harvard Medical School morgue, has pleaded guilty to charges related to the theft and sale of donated human body parts.

Lodge, 57, from Goffstown, New Hampshire, admitted to a federal judge that between 2018 and March 2020, he removed human remains—including dissected heads, brains, organs, hands, and even faces—from bodies donated to Harvard’s Anatomical Gift Program. These parts, initially intended for educational and research purposes, were unlawfully taken from the school and sold across multiple states including Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Pennsylvania.

According to federal prosecutors, Lodge transported the stolen remains across state lines without the consent of Harvard Medical School, the donors, or their families. He often brought the body parts to his home, where he and his wife packaged and shipped them to buyers, or allowed buyers to collect them directly.

The FBI, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and local law enforcement agencies uncovered the macabre trade in a multi-agency investigation. Several individuals connected to the scheme have already pleaded guilty and received prison sentences, while others—including Lodge’s wife Denise—are still awaiting sentencing.

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Harvard Medical School responded to the incident by condemning Lodge’s actions as a “morally reprehensible” betrayal. Dean George Daley expressed sympathy for the families affected, adding that Lodge’s plea “likely provides little consolation” to those who entrusted their loved ones to science.

Lodge faces up to 10 years in prison, a term of supervised release, and a hefty fine. His sentencing will be determined based on federal guidelines.

As authorities work to bring full accountability to everyone involved in this grisly enterprise, the scandal has raised serious questions about institutional oversight and the sanctity of body donation programs in the United States.

This report was compiled by the editorial team at Newspot Nigeria, where we bring you global news with depth and integrity.