Pennsylvania grave robbery probe finds about 100 sets of human remains

Police say a man was arrested after investigators found about 100 sets of human remains linked to a string of break-ins at Mount Moriah Cemetery; he faces multiple charges and is jailed on $1 million bond.

Police arrested a man after investigators connected a series of break-ins at Mount Moriah Cemetery to items recovered from his home and storage unit. The cemetery on Philadelphia's outskirts has been the focus of a monthslong probe after mausoleums and vaults were forced open. Authorities say searches turned up roughly 100 sets of human remains along with items believed taken from graves. The suspect, identified in reports as Jonathan Christ Gerlach, was charged with multiple counts and is being held on $1 million bond. Known details: - The investigation began after officers found bones visible in a vehicle near the cemetery and identified a pattern of vandalism and forced entry at mausoleums and vaults. - Searches of the suspect's residence and a storage unit are reported to have yielded about 100 sets of human remains and personal items believed to be from graves. - Police say the arrests followed surveillance and vehicle-check work that placed the suspect near the cemetery during the period of the break-ins. - The suspect was charged with numerous counts including abuse of a corpse, receiving stolen property, and related desecration and theft offenses, and is held on $1 million bond. Summary: This investigation links a series of burglaries at Mount Moriah Cemetery to items recovered in searches of a suspect's property, and the defendant faces multiple criminal counts. Undetermined at this time.