Harvard Agrees to $53 Million Settlement over Morgue Scandal

Harvard University has agreed to pay a settlement of $53 million following a scandal involving a former morgue manager who illegally sold body parts meant for scientific research. The court has approved this settlement plan. Cedric Lodge, the ex-manager at Harvard Medical School, received an eight-year prison sentence in December after admitting to trafficking in stolen remains.

Investigations revealed that Lodge, along with his wife, took body parts from the school without informing their employers, the donors, or their families, and sent them to buyers across various states since 2018.

In a recent letter, Harvard stated plans to establish “two class action settlement funds totaling $53 million.” Signed by Harvard Medical School Dean George Daley and Dean for Medical Education Bernard Chang, the letter emphasized collaboration with plaintiffs to support affected families and the organ donation program, while avoiding lengthy litigation.

Cedric Lodge’s actions were a serious betrayal of the medical community’s values. We express deep sorrow and empathy for the impacted donor families, said Daley and Chang in the letter.

According to the Harvard Crimson, a judge has provided preliminary approval for the settlement. Harvard also plans to distribute the funds over the upcoming months. Additionally, Lodge’s wife Denise received a one-year prison sentence for her involvement. Six others who participated in buying remains from Lodge have also pled guilty and received sentences.

Court documents unveiled that Cedric, Denise Lodge, Katrina MacLean, Joshua Taylor, and Jeremy Pauley were involved in this trafficking for profit. Pauley faced multiple charges in August 2022 related to purchasing and selling corpses. MacLean and Taylor were identified as sellers of these remains, obtaining them from the Lodges. MacLean even used her store, Kat’s Creepy Creations in Salem, Massachusetts, to sell remains. The store is known for selling “creepy dolls, oddities, and bone art,” according to its Instagram page.

The university has announced the establishment of a financial aid scholarship beginning in the 2027-28 academic year. This is in appreciation of all anatomical donors. The settlement includes issuing a statement to affected families, condemning Lodge’s actions, and detailing improvements in the donation program.