Pennsylvania bill would increase punishment for theft, sale of human remains

(WHTM)– A proposed bill in Pennsylvania would increase the punishment for the theft and sale of human remains.

The legislation, proposed by State Rep. Brenda Pugh (R-120), aims to classify the theft and sale of human remains as a third-degree felony to ensure that individuals who engage in the exploitation of the deceased face more serious legal consequences.

The bill comes after more than 100 human skulls, bones, mummified hands and feet, two decomposing torsos, and other skeletal items were found by investigators in an Ephrata home and storage unit of 34-year-old Jonathan Christ Gerlach, according to the Associated Press.

The AP reported that the investigation began after bones and skulls were seen in the back of a car parked near an abandoned cemetery on the outskirts of Philadelphia. This followed a month-long investigation into break-ins at mausoleums and vaults at Mount Moriah Cemetery.

This isn’t the first case in Pennsylvania where a man was charged with the theft or sale of human remains. Jeremy Pauley was arrested in 2022 by East Pennsboro Police after purchasing and selling human remains on Facebook.

“This deeply disturbing case has highlighted a need for our laws to be updated to specifically provide for this type of offense,” State Rep. Pugh said.

The bill has not yet been submitted for introduction.

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