Harvard University has agreed to a $53 million settlement following a scandal involving its former morgue manager. This comes after Cedric Lodge, previously in charge of the morgue at Harvard Medical School, was jailed for eight years in December. He admitted to selling stolen body parts that had been donated for research.
Lodge committed these acts without the permission of Harvard, the donors, or their families. He and his wife sent body parts to various buyers across state lines from 2018.
In a letter released on Monday, Harvard stated it intends to establish two class action settlement funds totaling $53 million. This plan awaits court approval. Harvard Medical School Dean George Daley and Dean for Medical Education Bernard Chang emphasized their commitment to supporting the affected families and the organ donation program, seeking to avoid lengthy legal battles.
Harvard strongly condemned Lodge’s actions, describing them as a severe violation of the medical community’s values. The university expressed deep regret and empathy towards affected donor families. The proposal received preliminary court approval on Tuesday according to the Harvard Crimson.
Distribution of the funds will span several months. Lodge’s wife, Denise, received a one-year prison sentence. Six other individuals who purchased remains from Lodge also pleaded guilty and were sentenced. Cedric and Denise Lodge, alongside Katrina MacLean and Joshua Taylor, conspired with Jeremy Pauley to sell the remains for profit.
Jeremy Pauley faced charges in August 2022 concerning the purchase and sale of corpses. Court documents revealed that MacLean and Taylor peddled human parts purchased from the Lodges. MacLean allegedly sold body parts through her store, Kat’s Creepy Creations, which highlighted human bones on social media.
Starting in the 2027-28 academic year, Harvard Medical School plans to launch an annual scholarship in honor of its anatomical donors. Additionally, the settlement includes a promise to provide a statement to claimant families denouncing Lodge’s crimes and outlining improvements in the organ donation program.