The Accusations Against Harvard Medical School
In a shocking revelation that has sent ripples through the medical community, five individuals, including Cedric Lodge, the former manager of the morgue at Harvard Medical School, have been indicted on federal charges. The charges stem from an alleged conspiracy to sell stolen body parts from cadavers donated to the institution.
According to the federal indictment, Cedric Lodge, his wife Denise Lodge, Katrina MacLean, Joshua Taylor, and Jeremy Pauley are accused of participating in a scheme to profit from the interstate shipment, purchase, and sale of stolen human remains. The alleged thefts and sales, which included heads, brains, skin, bones, and other human remains, occurred between 2018 and 2022.
The Transactions
The indictment details several transactions, including one where MacLean agreed to purchase two dissected faces for $600 from Cedric Lodge. MacLean, the owner of Kat’s Creepy Creations, a store in Peabody, Massachusetts, is also accused of storing and selling stolen remains at her store and shipping them to buyers in multiple states.
The Response
The Harvard Medical School has called the alleged activities an “abhorrent betrayal” and “morally reprehensible.” The school is working with authorities to determine which donors may have been impacted by the suspected thefts.
The Legal Perspective: Funeral Home Negligence
The case raises serious questions about the legal and ethical responsibilities of institutions that handle human remains. If you or a loved one has donated a body to science, this news may be deeply disturbing. It’s important to know that legal protections are in place for such situations.
In cases where a funeral home, morgue, or medical institution mishandles a body, it can be considered negligence. Examples of funeral negligence can include situations where a body is not adequately cared for, where the wishes of the deceased or their family are not respected, or where, as in this case, body parts are stolen and sold.
If you believe that you or a loved one has been a victim of such negligence, consulting with a lawyer specializing in funeral home negligence may be beneficial. At Traction Law Group, we have a team of experienced lawyers who can help you understand your rights and guide you through the legal process.
We understand the emotional toll such incidents can take on individuals and families, and we are committed to providing compassionate and effective legal representation. If you have any concerns or questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us at (833) 236-8253.
Helpful Resources:
Massachusetts Board of Registration in Embalming and Funeral Directing
(617) 701-8628
