Desecration at America's Oldest Cemetery: Friends of Mount Moriah Scramble to Boost Security Amid Grave-Robbing Spree
A shocking series of grave robberies has shaken the historic Mount Moriah Cemetery in Yeadon, Pennsylvania, sending shockwaves through the local community. The cemetery, a 160-acre burial ground dating back to 1855 and home to over 150,000 graves, including many from the Revolutionary War era, was the target of at least 26 desecrations between November and January.
The alleged culprit, Jonathan Gerlach, 34, has been charged with stealing human remains and desecrating grave sites. Authorities uncovered a staggering 100+ human skeletal remains in his home last week, described by Delaware County District Attorney Tanner Rouse as "a horror movie come to life."
According to Mount Moriah's president, John R. Schmehl Jr., the past eight weeks have been an ordeal for the small volunteer group that manages the cemetery. "We've discovered several disturbed mausoleums and vaults on the property," he said in a Facebook post. "I've personally placed nearly every 911 call regarding these incidents, ensuring authorities were notified within minutes."
To combat this disturbing trend, Mount Moriah is turning to donations to boost security. The group aims to install security cameras and repair aging perimeter fences, which have been breached multiple times. Volunteers have already spent over $20,000 on upgrades and repairs, with the cemetery relying solely on donations.
While some areas of the property are accessible to the public, others require fencing repairs that come at a significant cost – including a $9,000 quote for just 600 feet along one side. To address this, the group is expediting security camera installations and conducting random patrols throughout the grounds.
Gerlach's modus operandi, authorities say, involved leaving behind cigarette butts, empty energy drink cans, and even a nylon rope. An investigation into his motives and potential sale of stolen remains continues.
Schmehl is now calling on families with loved ones at Mount Moriah and preservationists to contribute to the cemetery's annual budget, which stands at around $90,000. "Mount Moriah is more than just a cemetery; it's a repository of our shared history and a final resting place for our families," he said. "These recent events have been a wake-up call that our aging infrastructure can no longer protect this sacred space on its own."
A shocking series of grave robberies has shaken the historic Mount Moriah Cemetery in Yeadon, Pennsylvania, sending shockwaves through the local community. The cemetery, a 160-acre burial ground dating back to 1855 and home to over 150,000 graves, including many from the Revolutionary War era, was the target of at least 26 desecrations between November and January.
The alleged culprit, Jonathan Gerlach, 34, has been charged with stealing human remains and desecrating grave sites. Authorities uncovered a staggering 100+ human skeletal remains in his home last week, described by Delaware County District Attorney Tanner Rouse as "a horror movie come to life."
According to Mount Moriah's president, John R. Schmehl Jr., the past eight weeks have been an ordeal for the small volunteer group that manages the cemetery. "We've discovered several disturbed mausoleums and vaults on the property," he said in a Facebook post. "I've personally placed nearly every 911 call regarding these incidents, ensuring authorities were notified within minutes."
To combat this disturbing trend, Mount Moriah is turning to donations to boost security. The group aims to install security cameras and repair aging perimeter fences, which have been breached multiple times. Volunteers have already spent over $20,000 on upgrades and repairs, with the cemetery relying solely on donations.
While some areas of the property are accessible to the public, others require fencing repairs that come at a significant cost – including a $9,000 quote for just 600 feet along one side. To address this, the group is expediting security camera installations and conducting random patrols throughout the grounds.
Gerlach's modus operandi, authorities say, involved leaving behind cigarette butts, empty energy drink cans, and even a nylon rope. An investigation into his motives and potential sale of stolen remains continues.
Schmehl is now calling on families with loved ones at Mount Moriah and preservationists to contribute to the cemetery's annual budget, which stands at around $90,000. "Mount Moriah is more than just a cemetery; it's a repository of our shared history and a final resting place for our families," he said. "These recent events have been a wake-up call that our aging infrastructure can no longer protect this sacred space on its own."
. I mean, you'd think the cemetery would be off-limits, but I guess some people don't get it 
. It's like they're taking somethin' that doesn't belong to 'em, and just...just takin' it 
. And those poor remains? Like, can you imagine goin' through somethin' like that? 
. I mean, $20k already spent on upgrades and repairs? That's dedication 
. And now they're countin' on donations to secure the place 
. I'm all for it - we should be supportin' these folks in their efforts 
.
. A little more funding from the government or local authorities would go a long way, if you ask me 
. But I guess that's just the reality of it, right? 
I mean, who desecrates graves?! 
Those poor souls buried in the ground. 
That's just horrific. 
trying to keep up with these desecrations. It's like, they're already overwhelmed with maintenance and upkeep. 
And now, on top of that, they need security cameras and fencing repairs? 
That's a lot of pressure.
to boost security. Maybe if more people contribute, they can make this place safer for all the families buried there 
. I mean, Mount Moriah is like a living history book, and it deserves our respect and care 
.
Cigarette butts and empty energy drink cans?! 
Does he think that's funny?! 
The nylon rope? That just shows how brazen he was. 
. We need to keep this place safe and respected for generations to come 
.
... I mean, desecrating graves? What's next? Breaking into grandma's attic and making off with her antique vases? 
No seriously though, 100+ human remains just chillin' in some dude's basement? That's crazy! And the fact that it was all because someone wanted to make a quick buck is just... 
It's about time someone shook things up around Mount Moriah. I mean, who needs security cameras when you've got a bunch of bored volunteers running around and random patrols? That's just gonna attract more trouble. And $9,000 for fencing repairs is ridiculous, like, what's the big deal? It's not like the cemetery is gonna get discovered by aliens or something 
That's some serious history being desecrated. The number of human remains found at Gerlach's place is mind-blowing – over 100 skeletal remains? 
Did you know the cemetery's annual budget is just $90k? Compared to some other cities' budgets, that's a drop in the bucket. 
This is so not cool at all!!! 
and desecrating graves is just plain wrong 
. Those camera installations and patrols should be a priority 
, but with donations, I hope they can get back on their feet 
. Gerlach needs to face the consequences of his actions 
. This whole situation is a wake-up call for everyone involved 
.