Lancaster Man Faces Hundreds of Charges for Alleged Grave Robbery at Mount Moriah Cemetery
March 13, 2026
Prichard-McCleary and other relatives shared how the desecrations have altered their thoughts about end-of-life plans and highlighted the lasting harm to families.
A Lancaster County man, Jonathan Gerlach, appeared in Delaware County court on Friday facing hundreds of criminal charges related to allegedly stealing human remains from Mount Moriah Cemetery, with investigators later recovering additional remains from his car.
Gerlach has not entered a plea and remains under investigation for potential additional grave thefts, as sources familiar with the case indicate.
The courtroom was packed, signaling national attention surrounding the hearing.
A new court date has not been formally announced, but hearings are anticipated within the next three weeks to four weeks.
Law enforcement remains uncertain about the scope of further investigation, emphasizing ongoing concerns about desecrations of mausoleums and underground vaults.
Police chiefs from McCleary and Yeadon Borough say they will continue assisting affected families as the case unfolds.
Friends and colleagues express shock and urge treatment or rehabilitation, noting the perplexing shift from a person once described as empathetic.
Authorities and a volunteer cemetery group are weighing security upgrades at Mount Moriah, including fencing, cameras, and possibly drones, with ongoing discussions involving legislators and the community.
Friends of Mount Moriah are fundraising to fund improvements such as fence repairs, cameras, and expanded patrols to deter future crimes.
Family members of victims, including Judy Prichard McCleary, attended court to describe the emotional toll and impact on relatives buried at Mount Moriah.
This is breaking news with more updates expected as new information becomes available.
Summary based on 14 sources
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Sources

CBS Philadelphia • Mar 13, 2026
Court hearing delayed for Jonathan Gerlach, man accused of robbing Mount Moriah Cemetery in Philadelphia area
NBC 10 Philadelphia • Mar 13, 2026
Hearing continued for Pa. man accused of stealing 100 skeletons from cemeteries
6abc Philadelphia • Mar 13, 2026
Yeadon cemetery grave robbery case continued as officials push for new laws
pennlive • Mar 13, 2026
Who is Jonathan Gerlach? Friends describe central Pa. man charged in grave-robbing spree