On Wednesday, June 14, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced the indictment and arrest of Cedric Lodge for the unlawful interstate transport of stolen human remains from "in or about 2018 through on or about August 16, 2022.” Lodge worked in the morgue as part of the Anatomical Gift Program until HMS terminated his employment on May 6. Investigators believe that Lodge acted without the knowledge or cooperation of anyone else at HMS or Harvard. Lodge was indicted along with other individuals not affiliated with Harvard.

We are appalled to learn that something so disturbing could happen on our campus — a community dedicated to healing and serving others. The reported incidents are a betrayal of HMS and, most importantly, each of the individuals who altruistically chose to will their bodies to HMS through the Anatomical Gift Program to advance medical education and research. HMS is deeply sorry for the pain and uncertainty caused by this troubling news.

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