Harvard University has consented to a $53 million settlement after a scandal involving its former morgue manager, who was guilty of stealing and selling body parts originally donated for scientific research. A court approved this settlement plan on Tuesday.
Cedric Lodge, who previously managed the morgue at Harvard Medical School, was dismissed in 2023 and later sentenced to eight years in prison. He pled guilty to trafficking stolen remains. Investigations revealed that Lodge, along with his wife, had unlawfully taken body parts from the school since 2018. They sent these parts to buyers in other states without any approval from the university or the donors’ families.
In a recent letter, Harvard University expressed its intention to establish two class action settlement funds totaling $53 million, pending court approval. This letter was co-signed by Harvard Medical School Dean George Daley and Bernard Chang, the dean for medical education. It emphasized the institution’s aim to support affected families and the organ donation program while minimizing prolonged litigation.
“Lodge’s actions were despicable, abhorrent, and a flagrant betrayal of our values as a medical community,” the letter stated. “We reaffirm our deep sorrow and empathy for the families of donors who may have been impacted.”
A judge granted preliminary approval to this settlement plan, reports the Harvard Crimson. Harvard expects the funds distribution process to take several months.
Denise Lodge, Cedric’s wife, was sentenced to one year in prison. Six additional co-conspirators involved in purchasing remains from Lodge have also pled guilty and received sentences. The group included Katrina MacLean, Joshua Taylor, and Jeremy Pauley, each accused of selling human remains for profit.
MacLean and Taylor reportedly sold human body parts acquired from the Lodges and had been involved with MacLean’s shop, Kat’s Creepy Creations. This store, based in Salem, Massachusetts, is known for selling “creepy dolls, oddities, and bone art.” According to CBS News Boston, one Instagram post from the shop even advertised the sale of human bones.
In response, Harvard Medical School has announced the creation of an annual financial aid scholarship in the 2027-28 academic year. The scholarship aims to honor and appreciate all anatomical donors. The settlement plan also includes providing claimants with a statement condemning Lodge’s criminal acts and detailing improvements to the organ donation program.