Disturbing Betrayal: Harvard Morgue Manager Sentenced for Trafficking Body Parts

Serious Sentencing for a Grievous Crime

Cedric Lodge, the former manager of the Harvard Medical School morgue, has been sentenced to eight years in federal prison for his involvement in a scheme that involved stealing and selling human body parts. The sentencing took place on December 17, 2025, in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. Lodge, who worked at the morgue for 28 years, was found guilty of profiting from the sale of donated body parts, including brains, skin, and faces, between 2018 and March 2020. His actions were described by prosecutors as treating the remains of deceased individuals as mere commodities, akin to “baubles.”

How the Scheme Unfolded

Authorities revealed that Lodge exploited his position by removing body parts before the remains were cremated or returned to families. This betrayal of trust extended to his wife, Denise Lodge, who was also sentenced to just over one year in prison for her role in the operation. The couple facilitated transactions that included the sale of human skin, which was reportedly tanned into leather for bookbinding—a detail Assistant U.S. Attorney Alisan Martin described as deeply horrifying.

The Broader Implications of the Case

The scandal has raised significant concerns about oversight in anatomical donation programs across the United States. Following the charges against Lodge, Harvard suspended its body donation program for five months, leading to a drastic decline in donor registrations. Reports indicate that 65 families rescinded their donations in the year following the scandal, a stark increase compared to an average of nine rescissions prior to the incident.

Impact on Trust and Regulatory Oversight

This case has not only damaged public trust in Harvard’s Anatomical Gift Program but also highlighted a lack of regulation in medical school morgues, particularly in Massachusetts. As the investigation continues, it has prompted discussions about the need for enhanced federal regulations regarding body donation and the practices of body brokers. Families of donors have expressed outrage, feeling that their loved ones’ remains were desecrated, which was not the intended purpose of their donations.

Ongoing Investigations and Legal Consequences

The investigation surrounding Lodge’s actions has unveiled a nationwide trafficking network involving at least six co-conspirators who have pleaded guilty. This network included individuals who purchased body parts for various, often disturbing, purposes. In one instance, a man in Kentucky was found with 40 skulls linked to the same network, demonstrating the extent of this black market for human remains sourced from medical facilities.

As the case unfolds, it continues to shed light on ethical breaches within body donation programs and the urgent need for reforms to ensure that the remains of deceased individuals are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve. According to WBUR, discussions are ongoing about the reform of anatomical donation policies to prevent such violations in the future.