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Pennsylvania man faces hundreds of charges after human remains found in home
Summary
Authorities reported finding more than 100 full or partial human and skeletal remains at a Pennsylvania man's residence and a nearby storage unit, and prosecutors say he has been charged with over 500 offenses connected to an investigation of stolen remains.
Content
A Pennsylvania man has been charged after authorities reported recovering a large number of human remains at his home and a nearby storage unit. The discovery arose from an investigation into repeated reports of vandalism at Mount Moriah Cemetery near Philadelphia. Prosecutors identified the suspect as 34-year-old Jonathan Gerlach of Ephrata. Officials say forensic work is underway to identify the recovered remains and determine their origins.
Known details:
- Law enforcement reported recovering more than 100 full or partial human and skeletal remains during the execution of search warrants at a residence and an associated storage unit.
- The inquiry began after repeated reports of disturbed graves and mausoleums at Mount Moriah Cemetery; investigators say evidence from that probe led to the search warrants.
- Prosecutors have charged Jonathan Gerlach with more than 500 counts, including multiple counts described as abuse of a corpse, theft by unlawful taking, and receiving stolen property.
- Officials stated that medical examiners and investigators are still working to identify the remains and that the process will take time.
Summary:
The discovery has resulted in a large criminal case with hundreds of charges and an ongoing forensic effort to identify recovered remains. Undetermined at this time.
