Pennsylvania Man Arrested After More Than 100 Human Remains Found in His Home

Pennsylvania Man Arrested

Stolen Human Remains Discovered

More Than 500 Charges Filed

A chilling case has shaken Pennsylvania after authorities arrested Jonathan Gerlach, 34, accused of possessing more than 100 human remains found inside his home.

Prosecutors confirmed that Gerlach is facing nearly 500 criminal charges and is being held without bail, which has been set at $1 million.

Investigators believe the man stole human remains from mausoleums and graves starting last year.

The discovery has triggered a complex and ongoing police investigation.

Stolen Human Remains Found After Cemetery Surveillance

Pennsylvania man arrested over human remains-Photo: Shutterstock

Police responded multiple times to complaints from the Mount Moriah Cemetery between November 7 and January 6. During that period, officers patrolled the area to stop the thefts that had already been reported by cemetery administrators.

On January 6, officers spotted Jonathan Gerlach’s vehicle with “numerous bones and skulls visible” on the back seat. At the same time, the suspect was seen leaving the cemetery carrying a burlap sack, a crowbar, and other tools.

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He was detained at the scene and later questioned by authorities. According to prosecutors, Gerlach admitted to stealing approximately 30 human remains.

However, a search warrant uncovered a far more serious situation. More than 100 human remains—both complete and partial—were found inside his residence.

A Scene Described as “Truly Horrifying”

Authorities have not ruled out the possibility that some of the stolen human remains belong to children. Prosecutor Tanner Rouse described the scene as deeply disturbing.

“Detectives walked into a truly horrifying situation,” the official said. “My heart goes out to those who are going through this, trying to determine whether one of the remains could belong to a loved one,” he added.

Police reported that remains were scattered throughout the home, with some hanging and others partially reconstructed. Skulls were also found arranged on shelves.

Investigators believe the thefts may extend to other cemeteries in the region, expanding the probe beyond Mount Moriah Cemetery.

A Lancaster County, PA man 34 year old Jonathan Gerlachis is facing 574 charges after police discovered over 100 human skeletal remains including skulls, bones, & decomposing torsos in his home…

Officials call it a “Horror movie come to life.”…

The remains were allegedly… pic.twitter.com/rwEMrft7MM

— Isaac’s Army (@ReturnOfKappy) January 9, 2026

Leads Point to Possible Sales Networks

According to a report by ABC News, Jonathan Gerlach may be linked to a Facebook group allegedly dedicated to the sale of human bones. In the group—reportedly called “Human Bone and Skull Sales Group”—the suspect was allegedly tagged in photos holding a skull.

Police are analyzing these potential connections to determine whether a broader network was involved. Authorities stress that the origins of many of the remains are still unknown.

The identification process is underway, and detectives are working to notify affected families. Prosecutors have asked the public to come forward with any relevant information.

The case remains open as investigators seek to determine the full scope of the crimes. The community remains on alert following one of the most disturbing discoveries ever recorded in the region, according to the EFE.

A man in Pennsylvania is facing more than 500 charges after authorities found more than 100 human skeletal remains in his home.

Authorities arrested Jonathan Gerlach, 34, after a monthslong investigation into break-ins at a cemetery in Yeadon. He is currently being held on $1… pic.twitter.com/CPQGOh5y6T

— ABC News Live (@ABCNewsLive) January 9, 2026