The Harvard Morgue Manager's Dark Secret

A former manager at Harvard Medical School's morgue has been sentenced to eight years in prison for a shocking crime. Cedric Lodge, who worked at the morgue for over 20 years, stole body parts from cadavers donated for research and education and sold them to collectors.

The Scheme

Lodge's wife, Denise, was also involved in the scheme. She received a one-year prison sentence for her role in selling the stolen body parts. The couple transported the remains from Massachusetts to their home in New Hampshire and then sold them to buyers in Pennsylvania.

The stolen body parts included heads, faces, brains, skin, and hands. These parts were taken after they had been used for research and teaching purposes. The buyers often resold the remains to others in the "oddities" community.

Prosecution and Defense

Prosecutors described Lodge's actions as shocking and conscience-shattering. They urged the judge to impose the maximum sentence of 10 years. Lodge's lawyer acknowledged the harm caused by his actions but asked for a less severe sentence.

Harvard Medical School's Response

Harvard Medical School has condemned Lodge's actions, calling them abhorrent and inconsistent with their standards. The school has also faced lawsuits from families alleging mishandling of their loved ones' bodies.

Impact and Ethical Concerns

This case raises serious questions about the ethical handling of donated bodies. It also highlights the need for stricter oversight in medical institutions. The impact on the families of the deceased is immeasurable, and the trust in medical research has been severely damaged.