Jonathan Gerlach Arrested After Stealing Over 100 Skeletons from Mount Moriah Cemetery

The alleged desecration of Mount Moriah Cemetery has prompted outrage, grief, and renewed concern over the security of historic burial grounds in the Philadelphia region. Authorities say Jonathan Gerlach, a 34-year-old man from Ephrata, Pennsylvania, is responsible for one of the most extensive cemetery crimes the area has seen in decades, involving the theft of more than 100 skeletons and damage to dozens of mausoleums and burial sites.

The case has drawn attention not only because of the scale of the alleged offenses, but also because of the vulnerability of Mount Moriah Cemetery, a sprawling and historically significant site that straddles Philadelphia and Delaware counties. In response to the allegations, cemetery officials and volunteers have moved quickly to announce new security measures while appealing to the public for financial support to protect the grounds from further violations.

Mount Moriah Cemetery has long been regarded as a sacred space and an important part of local heritage, serving as the final resting place for thousands of families over generations. The accusations now facing Gerlach have shaken that sense of sanctity, raising difficult questions about how such acts could occur repeatedly and undetected, and what steps are necessary to ensure they never happen again.

Scope of the Alleged Crimes and Criminal Charges

According to investigators, Jonathan Gerlach is accused of targeting cemeteries across multiple counties, with Mount Moriah bearing the brunt of the alleged activity. Police claim that he stole more than 100 skeletons from burial sites in Delaware County, Philadelphia, and Luzerne County, with Mount Moriah Cemetery emerging as a central location in the investigation. Officials allege that at least 26 mausoleums and underground burial sites at Mount Moriah were burglarized or desecrated, indicating a sustained pattern of activity rather than an isolated incident.

The criminal charges filed against Gerlach reflect the seriousness and breadth of the accusations. Prosecutors have charged him with 26 counts of burglary and 26 counts of criminal trespass, alongside 100 counts each of abuse of corpse and receiving stolen property. In addition, he faces 26 counts of intentional desecration of a public monument, along with other related offenses. Together, these charges outline an alleged course of conduct that investigators say involved repeated intrusions into sealed burial spaces and the removal of human remains.

Law enforcement officials have not publicly detailed how the alleged crimes were discovered or how long the activity may have gone on before detection. However, the number of counts suggests investigators believe the actions were systematic and deliberate. The alleged removal of skeletons from mausoleums and underground burial sites also raises questions about access, oversight, and the physical condition of structures within the cemetery, many of which are historic and aging.

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For families with loved ones interred at Mount Moriah, the allegations have been deeply distressing. Even in cases where specific graves were not directly affected, the idea that remains could be disturbed within the cemetery has left many feeling violated. Cemetery desecration is widely regarded as a particularly traumatic crime because it disrupts not only physical spaces but also cultural and emotional bonds tied to remembrance, respect, and mourning.

Mount Moriah Cemetery’s Historical and Community Significance

Mount Moriah Cemetery occupies a unique place in the region’s history. Established in the 19th century, it spans a vast area across county lines and contains the graves of Civil War veterans, notable local figures, and generations of families. Over the years, the cemetery has faced challenges common to large, historic burial grounds, including maintenance costs, vandalism, and periods of neglect. In recent years, volunteer groups such as the Friends of Mount Moriah Cemetery have taken on a central role in preserving and restoring the site.

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John R. Schmehl Jr., president of the Friends of Mount Moriah Cemetery, emphasized the personal and communal importance of the grounds when addressing the alleged crimes. In a statement shared on social media, Schmehl said he has a family legacy at Mount Moriah and described the alleged actions as violations of a “sacred space.” His remarks underscored the idea that the cemetery is not merely a physical location but a shared trust passed down through generations.

The Friends of Mount Moriah Cemetery is a volunteer-driven organization that has worked to stabilize, restore, and protect the grounds, often with limited resources. The group has overseen repairs to mausoleums, cleared overgrown areas, and advocated for public awareness of the cemetery’s condition. The scale of the alleged desecration attributed to Gerlach has placed additional strain on these efforts, both financially and emotionally.

Historic cemeteries like Mount Moriah often face heightened risks because of their size, age, and relative openness. Many were designed in eras when constant surveillance was neither technologically possible nor socially expected. As a result, modern security expectations can clash with the realities of preservation, limited funding, and the desire to keep such spaces accessible to the public. The current case has highlighted how these vulnerabilities can be exploited, with serious consequences.

Security Upgrades, Costs, and the Call for Public Support

In the wake of Gerlach’s arrest, officials with Mount Moriah Cemetery have announced a series of security improvements aimed at preventing future incidents. Schmehl said the Friends of Mount Moriah Cemetery have expedited plans to expand the cemetery’s surveillance camera system, increasing coverage across the grounds. The move reflects a shift toward more proactive monitoring, particularly in areas that may have previously been difficult to observe.

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In addition to surveillance upgrades, the group has begun repairing and reinforcing fencing along key perimeter areas, including 61st Street, 63rd Street, and Kingsessing Avenue. Schmehl noted that one section of fencing near the SEPTA loop has recently been completed, while other areas remain in need of repair. These physical barriers are intended to limit unauthorized access points and make it more difficult for intruders to enter the cemetery unnoticed.

The friends group has also announced plans to patrol the cemetery at random hours, adding a human presence intended to deter trespassing and criminal activity. While volunteer patrols cannot replace professional security forces, officials believe they can serve as an additional layer of protection, particularly when combined with improved lighting and camera coverage.

The financial burden of these upgrades is significant. Schmehl said the group has already spent approximately $20,000 on repairs and upgrades to mausoleums and gravesites that were targeted in the alleged crimes. Beyond that, they have received quotes of $9,000 for materials to repair just one section of fencing still in need of attention. For a volunteer organization reliant on donations, these costs represent a substantial challenge.

As a result, the Friends of Mount Moriah Cemetery are seeking public donations to help fund the security improvements and ongoing repairs. The appeal highlights a broader issue facing historic cemeteries nationwide: the difficulty of balancing preservation, accessibility, and security with limited financial resources. While public attention often spikes after high-profile incidents, sustaining long-term support remains an ongoing struggle. The case against Jonathan Gerlach is still working its way through the legal system, and the allegations have yet to be tested in court.

Nevertheless, the impact of the accusations has already been felt deeply at Mount Moriah Cemetery. The planned security measures represent both a response to a specific alleged crime spree and a broader effort to safeguard a historic and emotional landmark for the future. As officials work to restore damaged sites and reinforce protections, the situation has become a stark reminder of the responsibility shared by communities, authorities, and volunteers to protect places of remembrance from exploitation and harm.